Lane Kiffin expects a 'huge' challenge against NFL-like Texas A&M roster
This weekend is a critical one in the SEC West. That includes a key game between Texas A&M and Ole Miss that head coach Lane Kiffin knows is going to be a tough one.
Ahead of the game, Kiffin praised the Aggies, explaining that Texas A&M is going to be a challenge thanks to a roster that is chock full of NFL talent.
“A huge challenge this week,” Lane Kiffin said. “These guys are absolutely loaded. It’s kind of a mind-blowing collection of talent. As you watch them offensively, defensively, return game, special teams? I mean it really is like an NFL roster.”
Over the past couple of seasons, Texas A&M has struggled with inconsistency as a team. However, that wasn’t because of a lack of talent. The Aggies have had plenty of recruiting success in recent seasons under head coach Jimbo Fisher. That includes the top-ranked recruiting class in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.
“I mean height, weight, speed, explosiveness. Receivers that can score at any time, great running backs, defense is playing as well as anybody in the country. The collection at defensive line has to be one of the best ever. Linebacker is playing like the SEC Player of the Year,” Kiffin said.
“This will take a great week of practice, great preparation, great scheme to play these guys. So, this is a huge challenge. They’ve done a phenomenal job of getting a collection of players that are extremely elite, talented players — even better than a year ago. This is a big challenge.”
Since getting to Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin has played Texas A&M twice, winning both games. That includes a close 31-28 win last season in College Station.
Lane Kiffin explains how end of last year can help Ole Miss down the stretch
Ole Miss is trying to avoid a late season collapse like the team suffered last season. There was plenty to learn and as Lane Kiffin explained, it doesn’t hurt that there aren’t rumors about his future this season.
“Yeah, to not let John report rumors we’re going somewhere will help, too. Just kidding, John. I saw you waiving your hand right before that,” Kiffin said.
“I’ve said before, I don’t think we handled that very well. I think the Alabama loss, we let that keep beating us, and [a] chance to go to 8-1, 9-1, whatever it was. Then, kind of fell apart. So, two years ago we lost to Alabama and played really well after. It seems to be that we’re doing the same thing again this year, and I think that says a lot about the players and the resolve to overcome a bad game.”