Greg McElroy calls out Lane Kiffin for crucial goal-line sequence involving Trinidad Chambliss, Austin Simmons

After a safety gave Ole Miss the ball against Oklahoma in the second quarter, the Rebels got deep into Sooners territory. However, the drive stalled out after Lane Kiffin played both Trinidad Chambliss and Austin Simmons – a decision that received criticism from Greg McElroy.

McElroy, who’s calling the game for ABC alongside Sean McDonough, called out Kiffin’s move to allow Simmons to throw back-to-back passes from the 5-yard line. Both attempts fell incomplete, and Ole Miss settled for a field goal to make it a 15-10 lead. Kiffin was also visibly frustrated afterward.

McElroy understood what Kiffin was aiming for by putting Simmons in the game. However, it was his first game action, and the former Alabama quarterback pointed out how much that required out of the young quarterback.

“I can live with keeping [Simmons] in there on third down, because he’s the better thrower of the two,” McElroy said. “And frankly, up to this point, there have been a couple inaccurate throws from Trinidad Chambliss. But on second down, when run is still very much a reality, I don’t understand why you wouldn’t just have Trinidad Chambliss execute that pop pass because he’s already in the heat of the storm. He’s already ready. But to throw a guy in cold off the bench at the 5-yard line is a tall order for any quarterback.”

After the broadcast showed Lane Kiffin’s reaction on the sideline as he looked back on the sequence, McElroy said Oklahoma’s defense won’t make it easy for Ole Miss’ high-powered offense. That’s why he argued touchdowns are crucial, and potentially leaving points on the board could come back to haunt the Rebels.

“He knows, too, up against this defense, points are at a premium,” McElroy said. “And field goals are likely not going to win this game.

“Touchdowns, with how their defense has played, that’s what’s going to win this game. To leave four points on the board right there because of an errant throw, that’s something you’ll kick yourself about for a long time.”

Chambliss has been impressive for Ole Miss after jumping in as the starter following Simmons’ ankle injury. He entered Saturday with 1,549 passing yards and eight touchdowns, to one interception, along with 323 rushing yards and five rushing scores across seven games.

Ole Miss is looking to bounce back from a loss to Georgia last week and also keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive. Saturday’s matchup is billed as a potential CFP elimination game as OU, too, tries to stay in the race.