College Football42 min ago2 minute read

Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford as Ole Miss hosts LSU

Ole Miss players are blocking out the noise as former head coach Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford with the LSU Tigers.

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Blocking Out the Noise

Lane Kiffin is returning to Oxford this weekend, but the Ole Miss Rebels are trying to keep their focus on the field. Kiffin left Ole Miss to take the LSU head coaching job last November, just before the Rebels received their first College Football Playoff bid. Now, he brings his new team into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for a major matchup.

Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy made it clear he is not caught up in the drama. Lacy said he does not have a relationship with Kiffin. While he still talks to former coaches and teammates who followed Kiffin to LSU, those conversations are on hold. Lacy said he just wants to focus on the game plan and the game.

A Wild Transition

The sudden coaching change last year shocked many players. Defensive tackle Will Echoles recalled planning to go deer hunting the morning Kiffin departed. Instead, a team meeting was called to announce defensive coordinator Pete Golding as the new head coach. Echoles said it did not really hit him until the next day when he realized some coaches were gone.

Eight assistant coaches, four support staff, and four players ultimately made the move from Ole Miss to LSU. Among them were defensive end Princewill Umanmielen and linebacker TJ Dottery, who have helped LSU to a 2-0 start. Despite the moves, players on both sides say they remain friends off the field. However, Umanmielen noted there are no friends on the field during the game.

High Stakes SEC Opener

Wide receiver Deuce Alexander chose to stay in Oxford because it is his home. He has noticed similar offensive plays and minor tweaks from Kiffin's offense at LSU. Alexander expects a great matchup between the Ole Miss receivers and the LSU secondary.

This game serves as the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams. It carries massive weight for the SEC standings and the playoff race. While fans and students are talking about Kiffin's return, the players are keeping their focus internal.

What it means for the next game

LSU Tigers at Ole Miss Rebels (College Football, Sat, 19 Sep): Ole Miss Rebels win 40%, LSU Tigers win 60%; projected score Ole Miss Rebels 28, LSU Tigers 30. Our safest pick: Ole Miss +13.