The Ole Miss Rebels have dropped their first game of the season shortly after coach Lane Kiffin delivered an interesting quote.
Kiffin was recently asked about the effect that non-conference games have on the team, as well as what they mean. The coach was honest with the media and stated that the non-conference games ‘mean nothing’ to the Rebels in the grand scheme of things. Ole Miss had defeated the first four opponents of the season while allowing just 22-points through four games.
In the fifth game, however, the Ole Miss Rebels allowed 20 points and ultimately lost a close game to the Kentucky Wildcats. Kentucky had been considered to be the toughest two-loss team in the country heading into the clash.
The quote from Kiffin feels awfully true after the loss as the coach truly meant what he said to the media. The Rebels toughest game leading up to the Wildcats game was against Wake Forest, who are arguably one of the worst ACC programs this season. Ole Miss looked excellent outside of the conference, but it was largely due to who the team was playing.
Kentucky stuns Ole Miss on the road, after the near upset of Georgia at home. Lane Kiffin evidently right about Ole Miss’ non-con schedule meaning nothing.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 28, 2024
Kiffin encouraged the media to not ‘look into’ the non-conference games for the Rebels this season too much. The coach apparently seemed to be on something, as Kentucky proved to be much more of a challenge for the Rebels than they should have.
While the Rebels also made plenty of mistakes during the game, the rust of being removed from true competition could also have been an issue.
Ole Miss Rebels Facing Tough South Carolina Squad Next In Search of Bounce Back Win
As bad as the loss may sting the Rebels currently, the next game will sting even more if the Rebels lose two games in a row.
Ole Miss is schedule to play the South Carolina Gamecocks next, a team that defeated the Kentucky Wildcats in grand fashion. The Gamecocks also arguably defeated the LSU Tigers last week, but the game ended in favor of the Tigers after multiple controversial calls. South Carolina is currently 3-1 and fresh off big 50-7 win over Akron.
Ole Miss currently have a 77% chance to defeat the Gamecocks in South Carolina next weekend, which big for the Rebels.
The game is going to come down to limiting quarterback LaNorris Sellers, arguably the catalyst of the offense. Sellers can run or throw the ball and his versatility is difficult for defenses to totally shut down, and could pose a threat to the Rebels. If Ole Miss can slowdown Sellers, it could be an easy win for the Rebels team as long as they key in on one other player.
Edge rusher Dylan Stewart has been a freak of nature for South Carolina, and when left unattended, can cause serious damage to an offense. Stewart recorded a spectacular sack against Kentucky where three Wildcats where blocking the defender in the process.
The Ole Miss Rebels and Lane Kiffin will need to key in on both players in order to secure a win in South Carolina next weekend.
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