Clark Lea shares how Ole Miss' offense changes defensive plans

Ole Miss is as aggressive as anyone on offense, especially on fourth down. Head coach Lane Kiffin is not afraid to go for it, wanting to give his unit as many opportunities to score points as possible. It’s something Vanderbilt‘s Clark Lea is preparing for before their matchup.

Lea was asked how the Rebels’ offensive strategy changes their defensive approach, laying out an example. He said Vanderbilt might not send out the pass rush specialists whenever third down comes up, knowing they will be needed a play later. Lea called it a “challenge” and says the Commodores will be ready for them.

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“Changes defensively because there are certain times and certain game situations or areas of the field where third down becomes second down,” Lea said. “Because you know there is going to be a fourth-down snap. That might mean in a certain situation or certain field position — let’s just say a third-and-nine — where you might normally run out your pass rush and your exotic third down designs, you may stay more committed to a base look where you’re expecting a run play. So, it does challenge you that way. We’ll have our strategies in place for that.”

Ole Miss has converted 71% of their fourth down conversions this season, one of the highest in college football. Especially when you consider how often Kiffin is willing to keep his offense on the field.

In Vanderbilt’s lone SEC game, Alabama went for it twice, converting just once. Playing in Tuscaloosa could have been a factor in that, even in a blowout loss. The Commodores will have their SEC home opener come Saturday and a much more favorable crowd.

Talking about potentially stopping Ole Miss can be one thing. Lea will need to have his players ready to go and play for all four downs. Especially with how quickly Kiff and the Rebels can move down the field, being situationally aware will be key in Nashville.