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While Mark Stoops got choked up after Kentucky’s 20-17 upset of then-No. 5 Mississippi, more than a few Florida Gators fans probably felt strong emotions, too.
Florida fans who crave Lane Kiffin as their coach need the Rebels to a lose a few games between now and Thanksgiving. It’s a fine line: Win enough to still look desirable, but lose enough for Ole Miss to miss the College Football Playoff and make Kiffin wonder whether he’s hit his ceiling with the Rebels and ought to uproot and resettle in The Swamp.
Kiffin admires Steve Spurrier, who remains the coaching standard at Florida, and his offensive acumen and ability to needle adversaries make him a kindred spirit.
“It’s his personality, and it’s how he walks on the sideline. It’s those great offenses and all those great receivers and quarterbacks,” Kiffin said of Spurrier 15 years ago.
Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin stands on the field before his team’s game against Kentucky at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Oxford, Mississippi.
The Rebels had none of that Spurrier swagger Saturday. Stoops bottled up Kiffin’s system. The Wildcats’ defensive front owned the Rebels’ offensive line. Kentucky’s offense played keep-away while mounting long drives, while Mississippi’s offensive display was so offensive it would’ve had the Head Ball Coach slamming his visor.
The Wildcats created and received more than a few breaks, too. They were 3 of 3 on fourth downs. Brock Vandagriff hit Barion Brown for a 63-yard completion on fourth down on the Wildcats’ go-ahead touchdown drive.
Kiffin coached more cautiously than usual. He went on just two fourth downs. Twice, Ole Miss punted on fourth-and-2 near midfield in the fourth quarter while protecting a one-score lead. Kiffin trusted his defense. That worked, until it didn’t.
MISERY INDEX: Mississippi’s…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/opinion-florida-celebrating-ole-miss-191435706.html
Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2024-09-29 19:14:35
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