Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels pulled off a stunning upset in Week 11, defeating the then-No. 2-ranked Georgia Bulldogs with a score of 28-10. This victory not only marked the program’s highest-ranked win since 2015 but also represented the largest margin of victory against a top-five opponent since 1969. Such a monumental win has fans buzzing about the potential for the Rebels as they push towards the postseason.
Reflecting on Past Challenges
During an appearance on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” Kiffin took a moment to reflect on his career journey, including the challenges he faced after being fired from USC. He expressed gratitude for the experiences that followed, which ultimately shaped his coaching philosophy and career trajectory. Kiffin humorously acknowledged Finebaum’s past comments, including the infamous comparison of him to “the Miley Cyrus of college football,” which Finebaum made in 2013.
Kiffin remarked, “I’m sure somebody else is going to get the Finebaum love somewhere else, and I’m okay with it when you take the shots because we’ve talked about this before. It makes you better. It makes you overcome things. You got me fired from USC and we’ve said that before.” His candidness about his past reflects a maturity that has come with experience.
Gratitude for Growth
Kiffin continued to express his appreciation for the twists and turns of his career, stating, “Now, I’m saying, hey, I wouldn’t have been here to have the Georgia win if you wouldn’t have got me fired at USC and I wouldn’t have worked for Coach Saban, so again, I’m grateful to you, Paul. Thanks for that day. Thanks for the Miley Cyrus comment. … She’s still doing pretty well so, again, it really wasn’t that big of a shot.” This reflection highlights Kiffin’s growth and resilience, qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to his recent success.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Aspirations
As the Rebels gear up for the final stretch of the season, they find themselves in a favorable position. With an 8-2 record and a 4-2 mark in SEC play, Ole Miss is ranked 11th in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. The new playoff format allows for 12 teams, including the five highest-ranked conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams, making the stakes even higher for Kiffin and his squad.
The Rebels have a solid chance of making the playoff field, currently holding -350 odds, which are tied for the seventh-best in the nation and third-best in the SEC. Their final two games are against the Florida Gators and Mississippi State Bulldogs, who have struggled this season with a combined record of 6-13 and 2-10 in SEC play. This presents a prime opportunity for Ole Miss to bolster their playoff resume.
Building on Success
Kiffin’s journey back to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. After his firing from USC, he revitalized his career by spending three seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Alabama Crimson Tide. This experience under Nick Saban was instrumental in Kiffin’s development as a coach. He then took the helm at Florida Atlantic, where he led the Owls to three successful seasons before being named head coach of the Rebels.
Under Kiffin’s leadership, Ole Miss achieved a program-record 11 wins last season, a feat he also accomplished with FAU in 2017 and 2019. This track record of success has solidified Kiffin’s reputation as a dynamic and innovative coach, capable of leading teams to victory against tough opponents.
What’s Next for the Rebels?
With the Rebels climbing the ranks and showcasing their talent, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can Lane Kiffin lead Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff? As they prepare for their upcoming games, the excitement is palpable. Fans are hopeful that the momentum from the Georgia victory will carry over, propelling the Rebels into the postseason.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, Kiffin’s ability to adapt and inspire his team will be crucial. The Rebels are not just aiming for a bowl game; they are setting their sights on a spot in the College Football Playoff, and with Kiffin at the helm, anything is possible.
In summary, Lane Kiffin’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, but his resilience and dedication have brought him to a pivotal moment in his career. With the Ole Miss Rebels positioned for a potential playoff run, fans are eager to see how this season unfolds. Will Kiffin’s leadership take the Rebels to new heights? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the excitement surrounding Ole Miss football is at an all-time high.
