Lane Kiffin Prepares for Battle Against Ole Miss

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin focused on the players ahead of his team’s upcoming matchup against his former team, Ole Miss. The game will involve a contest between the No. 7 Tigers and No. 8 Rebels. Ole Miss is now led by Kiffin’s former defensive coordinator, Pete Golding.

Kiffin emphasized that the game centers on player performance. “I think it is unusual, like you said, one team you built and now a new team you’re building, and so probably a really unusual situation that way. I know, obviously, a lot’s gonna be made about me, but this is about the players being prepared very well and playing very well,” he remarked to reporters. He noted that neither he nor Golding would be engaging in on-field actions such as tackling or throwing touchdowns.

As part of his preparations, Kiffin discussed the significance of this being the first SEC game. Both teams have a 2-0 record this season. Kiffin stated that their focus has been on preparing diligently rather than the external conversations surrounding the game. “…And it won’t be about all the other stuff and all the noise and everything, it’ll be about how well did we practice, how well did we prepare, so how well did we play on game day going into a place that’s had a lot of success there,” he said.

Kiffin recognized Ole Miss for having the second-longest winning streak in the nation. He praised their strong players, highlighting last season’s top quarterback, running back, and kicker. Facing Ole Miss’s talented roster, including quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy, who has three touchdowns in two games, will be a challenge for LSU players.

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt has performed well, accumulating 574 yards and two touchdowns. Both teams have won against ACC opponents early in the season. Ole Miss began their season with a 41-38 victory, while LSU signaled their strength with a 51-10 triumph over Clemson. They each followed these wins by defeating unranked teams comfortably.

Kiffin’s move to LSU from Ole Miss after their run to the CFP last season raised eyebrows. Golding stepped in as head coach for the Rebels during their CFP games, while Kiffin observed their progress from a distance. LSU’s efforts to recruit players with NFL contracts drew backlash but were eventually halted after criticism and potential SEC action.

Despite external drama, the game remains the focus. Ahead of Saturday’s meeting, LSU is the favorite, with odds suggesting a win by more than a field goal margin against Ole Miss. Golding, however, likely hopes to prove a point with a significant victory over his former colleague.

The game between LSU and Ole Miss is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET, with ABC providing coverage.