Ole Miss HC Lane Kiffin doubles down on his QB battle and hilariously knocks state of college football scheduling
Lane Kiffin still denies he knows if Trinidad Chambliss or Austin Simmons will start
Lane Kiffin loves having fun with the media and his upcoming opponents. This hilarious fact has been well documented throughout his coaching career. Sometimes there’s some strategic motivation for his unhinged comments. Other times, it’s just because it seems he likes poking fun.
This week, when meeting with SEC media, Kiffin couldn’t help but get at least two funny comments in. Whether they were intentionally funny or not–that’s up for debate–but Kiffin was just being Kiffin when it came to the discussion on his quarterback battle and surprisingly how absurd the current state of college football scheduling has gotten.
Lane Kiffin pokes fun at Ole Miss playing the “top ranked Pac 12 team” this week
Ole Miss faces off against Washington State this week and for those familiar with the situation, if not for Wake Forest canceling their scheduling agreement with the Rebels, this never would have happened. Lane Kiffin had been quite annoyed last year when Wake Forest pulled out of their planned visit to Ole Miss, highlighting how difficult scheduling had gotten already with all the realignment of college football.
Kiffin couldn’t help but point out the funny fact that Ole Miss (ranked number one in the SEC) was now technically playing the “top ranked” team in Pac 12. He of course didn’t mention the fact that there’s only one other team in the Pac 12 (Oregon State) and they have yet to win a game this year:
“It’s the first place SEC team versus the first place Pac-12 team. So a lot to come cheer and be excited about. [Washington State] has played a lot better in their last game and present a lot of challenges. They’re really well coached, really sound in what they do with their quarterbacks. their quarterback has started playing a lot better than guys were early in the year. So, it’s a big challenge for us.”
In true Kiffin fashion he found a way to poke fun at the Pac 12, the state of college football scheduling, truly compliment his opponent in Washington State, and perhaps most importantly brag about the fact that Ole Miss is currently the highest ranked team in the SEC. Bravo.
Kiffin doubles down on QB battle discussions for Ole Miss Rebels
Breakout star quarterback (and backup to start the year) Trinidad Chambliss has been on an absolute heater since taking over for the injured Austin Simmons. He’s averaging over 400 yards of total offense per start at quarterback for Ole Miss this season, he’s undefeated as a starter, adding value with his legs in the rushing game, avoiding sacks, and setting records.
Chambliss is seriously the first SEC player in 30 years to post 300 yards passing and 50 yards rushing in three consecutive games. Still, Lane Kiffin insists that he doesn’t even know whether or not his newfound star is going to start on Saturday. At least that’s what he had fun telling the media this week.
“We’re still evaluating [whether Trinidad Chambliss is starting this Saturday]. That’s why, when earlier they asked this week about him being in the Heisman race. I don’t even know if he’s starting Saturday. Both guys are doing well. Austin [Simmons] continues his return to 100%.”
Okay, Lane. Sure.
There’s a clear and obvious approach to take with the quarterbacks this year at Ole Miss. Don’t force Austin Simmons back too early from injury. Continue starting Chambliss regardless of Simmons’ health once he is good to go–as long as he continues to succeed. This way Simmons can preserve yet another season of eligibility (this time using his medical redshirt) if Chambliss has the goods to carry Ole Miss somewhere special this year.
Well sourced journalists around the country immediately confirmed after the weekly SEC media call that Chambliss is expected to start this weekend against Washington State, despite the hilarious attempt at a misdirect from coach Kiffin.
At this point it would be absurd for the Rebels to make a change at quarterback, but Kiffin is always going to take the opportunity to mess with his opponents and their preparation when he can.
We’ll be back with more Ole Miss Rebels coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
