ATLANTA – After being passed over for a spot in college football’s first playoff, TCU got its consolation prize Sunday: Mississippi in the Peach Bowl.

The Horned Frogs (11-1) dropped from third to sixth in the final rankings issued by the selection committee, despite a 55-3 win over Iowa State to earn a share of the Big 12 championship.

Bitterly disappointed, it will be interesting to see TCU’s reaction when it faces the Rebels (9-3) in the Dec. 31 game at the Georgia Dome. A letdown is certainly possible, but the Horned Frogs could also be highly motivated to put on a performance that shows they were worthy of being in the playoff.

Ole Miss handed No. 1 Alabama its only loss and knocked off Mississippi State in the regular-season finale.

Special to the Daily Leader

PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer