Lane Kiffin Prepares LSU for Clash Against Former Team, Ole Miss

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin is getting ready for a significant match against his previous team, Ole Miss. He emphasizes that the game is about player performance, not the coaches. The game will feature a face-off between the No. 7 Tigers and No. 8 Rebels, coached by Kiffin’s former defensive coordinator, Pete Golding. While many focus on Kiffin’s return to face Ole Miss, he insists it’s the players who matter.

“It is unusual, like you said, one team you built and now a new team you’re building. I know a lot’s gonna be made about me, but this is about the players being prepared and playing well,” Kiffin stated. He pointed out that neither he nor Golding will be on the field making plays.

“Pete’s not gonna tackle anybody; I’m not gonna throw any touchdowns,”

Regarding game preparation, Kiffin highlighted talking with his players about this being their first SEC game. He emphasized prioritizing preparation over the surrounding hype. “…and it won’t be about all the other stuff and all the noise. It’ll be about how well did we practice, prepare, and play,” he said about playing in a successful venue.

Kiffin expressed admiration for Ole Miss’s current success, mentioning their long win streak and top players, including standout quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy, who has scored three touchdowns in two games. On LSU’s side, they boast a promising quarterback, Sam Leavitt, with 574 yards and two touchdowns this season. Both teams have opened the season by defeating ACC opponents.

Kiffin’s journey to LSU began last season during Ole Miss’s run to the CFP. His departure left Golding in charge of the Rebels. This year, LSU faced scrutiny over attempts to add NFL-affiliated players to their roster, a move later abandoned due to potential SEC sanctions.

Despite off-field drama, the focus remains on the match itself. LSU is slightly favored to win against Ole Miss, but Golding aims to upset his former colleague. The showdown is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET, with ABC providing coverage.