Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin has tough decision to make coming off blowout victory over Tulane
I don’t think it’s too hard of a decision.
Ole Miss disposed of Tulane Saturday with relative ease, 45-10. The story, for the second-straight week, was Ferris State transfer quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. As Austin Simmons continues to recover from an ankle injury suffered in the win over Kentucky, Chambliss was electric again.
The Division II national champ was 17-for-27 through the air for 307 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, he led the way for the Rebels with 14 carries for 112 yards.
Chambliss’ presence under center seems to give this Ole Miss team a boost and a swagger. Simmons had four turnovers in the first two weeks but still managed to lead the Rebels to two wins. But, if you’re Lane Kiffin now you have a decision to make with LSU looming. And I think it’s an easy decision.
You have to start Trinidad Chambliss over Austin Simmons versus LSU.
Look, I don’t think Austin Simmons is healthy. At all. And I don’t think he will be at 100 percent by next Saturday either. But, even if he was I don’t think it should matter. Trinidad Chambliss has the hot hand and like I said above, this team seems to respond to his play and energy.
The run game is even better, too. Chambliss brings the plus one game with his threat as a runner. He has really, really good accuracy on his deep ball, and the offense – in my opinion – is better with him taking snaps. LSU is going to have a fast and physical defense and I think you need someone who can escape pressure and keep plays alive with his legs.
And it’s not like Chambliss is just a “take off and run” quarterback. He looks perfectly content – getting outside the pocket and surveying the field to find someone in the scramble drill. Simmons might give you the higher ceiling down the road, but for now, I think it’s clear this Ole Miss team in Week 5 needs Chambliss.
Ole Miss Rebels News
Lane Kiffin reveals how Ole Miss found Trinidad Chambliss and compares his transfer situation to Jaxson Dart
On this week’s SEC coaches teleconference, Lane Kiffin pulls back the transfer portal curtain.
Others are stepping up as well.
Deuce Alexander might have been an afterthought when he signed with Ole Miss out of the portal, but the Wake Forest transfer has been awesome. Alexander finished with 105 all-purpose yards and a touchdown reception. He averaged 23.5 yards per reception and has been an electric addition.
Kewan Lacy averaged a modest 3.8 yards per carry Saturday but he was still a load to bring down. He scored twice and showed his athleticism and versatility taking snaps out of the wildcat and making catches out of the backfield when Chambliss checked down.
DaeQuan Wright, DeZhaun Stribling, and Cayden Lee combined for eight receptions for 193 yards and a score Saturday. This three-headed monster along with Alexander have got to bring it next week. If Chambliss has his pick against the Tigers, it’s going to put Brian Kelly’s squad in a bind.
