Following the 10–0 start, the Cowboys had a #4 ranking in the College Football Playoff poll and controlled its own destiny in the Big 12.
The Cowboys would then lose another game at home in blowout fashion to rival and eventual Big 12 champion and College Football Playoff participant, Oklahoma.
Ole Miss began the season by handily defeating their first two opponents, scoring at least 73 points in each of the first two games before playing the then–second ranked Alabama on the road.
In an upset, the Rebels beat the Crimson Tide and rose to #3 in the AP Poll.
Following an easy win over New Mexico State, the Rebels traveled to Memphis, who they lost to in an upset.