Life is a peach for the Ole Miss Rebels.
They trounced Penn State on Saturday in Atlanta for their first bowl victory since the 2020 season. Their 11 wins are a single-season program record. Lane Kiffin, their one-time vagabond coach, is growing roots in Oxford.
And the best part? The Rebels’ ceiling could be higher in 2024. The nation’s No. 1-ranked transfer class is inbound. They’ll pair with many returning stars from this 38-23 Peach Bowl romp of the Nittany Lions.
Kiffin might need to ice his right arm after all the fist-pumping he did while the Rebels shredded the nation’s No. 1-ranked defense.
This team will finish ranked in the top 10. Next year’s team will open ranked in the top 10.
“To win the most games in the history of the school and to have so many pieces already announcing that they’re coming back, … I think it’s a really special time,” Kiffin said.
Now, just imagine if Saturday’s win had been a playoff game.
The 2024 Rebels will feature Kiffin’s best collection of talent. Couple that with a schedule that’s void of Alabama, and Ole Miss hosting a first-round playoff game is a rationale goal.
Kiffin sounded a little deflated seven weeks ago – understandably so. Georgia had just run over the Rebels in Athens, eliminating Ole Miss’ longshot playoff hopes. The Rebels didn’t just lose. They weren’t competitive in a 52-17 loss.
“We got to recruit at a higher level,” Kiffin said softly that night. “I’m not blaming people We got to coach better, but … we’ve signed one five star. (Georgia) signed 24. That does kind of show up at some point.”
Ole Miss, though, isn’t going to suddenly start out-recruiting Georgia. The Bulldogs are a recruiting giant, located in one of the most talent-rich states.
Kiffin knows this, and he’s countered by becoming the nation’s best coach at evaluating…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/lane-kiffin-keeps-climbing-ole-110347054.html
Author : The Clarion Ledger
Publish date : 2023-12-31 11:03:47
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