Lane Kiffin: Ole Miss will take 'everything into consideration' in QB decision between Austin Simmons, Trinidad Chambliss

Heading into the LSU game, there is no official word on who Ole Miss will start at quarterback. Austin Simmons started the year as the guy but due to injury, Trinidad Chambliss has been out there vs. Tulane and Arkansas. Head coach Lane Kiffin got another look at them on Wednesday during practice but is not ready to make the announcement quite yet.

“It could go through, at least longer than today,” Kiffin said via the SEC Coaches Teleconference. “Both guys did great today. So, really let them compete it out.”

Kiffin was then asked if injury is still a factor in the decision. Simmons hurt his ankle late against Kentucky but Ole Miss said he was available to play. Still, Chambliss started the past two games for the Rebels and guided them to victories.

“I would always take everything into consideration,” Kiffin said on injuries. “So, we’ll see as we get closer.”

From a stats standpoint, Chambliss has been the better quarterback of the two. In four games played, he has thrown for 719 yards and four touchdowns while completing 67.7% of his throws. Maybe most importantly, there are no interceptions for him. A little different than Simmons, who turned the ball over four times when healthy. He adds 580 yards and four touchdowns with a completion percentage of 60.7%.

On3’s Chris Low and Pete Nakos reported together on the situation from Oxford. According to them, Chambliss is who Kiffin will trot out there against LSU. They cite how Simmons is still working back from the ankle injury. Later on Wednesday, Kiffin gave his reaction to the report.

“Well, it’s good to know,” Kiffin said via The Pat McAfee Show. “News to me that our starting quarterback has been figured out. I’ll go down and tell our staff down here… No, we haven’t made that decision yet.”

Not many programs in college football are in a position to feel comfortable with two quarterbacks. Kiffin snagged Chambliss out of the NCAA transfer portal this offseason via Ferris State. Maybe not a move many people thought highly of at the time. But it’s certainly working out for Kiffin.

Kickoff from Vaught Hemingway Stadium is scheduled for around 2:30 p.m. This is as important a game Ole Miss holds on the schedule, needing to avenge last season’s loss. Maybe a little drama regarding the starting quarterback will unfold in front of our eyes.