Paul Finebaum Questions If One Preseason Top 10 Team Can Win Its Conference

The job that Lane Kiffin has done at Ole Miss is truly impressive. The Rebels have won 10 or more games in two of the last three seasons and have been on the verge of the College Football Playoff both years.

Ultimately, the Rebels haven't made the CFP yet, but with the expanded 12-team playoff, this could be the year. The Rebels come into the season with a lot of expectations and have their highest preseason ranking since 1970 at No. 6.

ESPN's Paul Finebaum believes Ole Miss will make the playoffs but questions if they can win the SEC.

"I think they are a playoff team," Finebaum said. "I'm not convinced they'll win the SEC."

It has been over six decades since the Rebels last won an SEC championship. From 1954-63, the Rebels secured five conference championships. However, they haven't clinched a title since then. Ole Miss also has not won a national championship since the 1960s.

The Rebels have taken a different approach to building its team in hopes of ending one or both of those droughts. Ole Miss has heavily built its roster through the transfer portal. The Rebels have had a top-two transfer portal class in the last three seasons, including last season's No. 1 ranked class.

So, this could finally be the season when the Rebels overcome the challenge, make the College Football Playoff and contend for an SEC championship.

Related: Paul Finebaum Names SEC Contender With Most To Lose