Lane Kiffin claims Oklahoma defense does 'great job' of studying signals: 'It looks like they have the plays'

Not many games in college football have more at stake than Saturday’s showdown between Oklahoma and Ole Miss. Two different styles of head coaches face off, with offensive-minded Lane Kiffin going up against the long-respected defense of Brent Venables. And as usual with Kiffin, there is some pregame talking on-going.

Kiffin was asked about the Oklahoma defense and what they potentially do differently. He spoke on how well the Sooners prepare and study opponents’ signals, citing the Auburn game as an example. All in all, Kiffin came across as highly complimentary of OU when discussing the topic.

“One, it’s phenomenal prep — a film study of signals,” Kiffin said during his Monday press conference. “They do a great job of that. If you study people really well, you have enough confidence as a coach to go after those. That seems what he does and they’ve got a really good beat on the plays that are coming when they’re called and they do a great job of going and taking those away. Look at the Auburn game. I told Hugh [Freeze] after the game, watching it, he might want to switch his signals. Like, it looks like they have the plays. The middle safety’s running down to steal slants, which is very abnormal.”

Oklahoma holds one of the sport’s top defenses, let alone the SEC. Opposing teams are scoring just nine points per game against them, which ranks first in the conference. Venables’ group also takes the top spot when it comes to total defense, rushing yards against, passing yards against, and sacks. From top to bottom, the unit continues to put out elite performances.

Now, circumstances were quite different during last year’s game between Oklahoma and Ole Miss. However, the Rebels did put up 380 yards — 311 of which were through the air. Kiffin walked out of Vaught Hemingway Stadium a winner, 26-14.

Norman plays host this season, a place where Oklahoma has already won a few big-time games on the schedule. Ole Miss presents another challenge, even if they are fresh off a loss on the road to Georgia. Both teams still hold big-time hopes of competing in the SEC and making the College Football Playoff.

Maybe some extra preparation to switch things up takes place on the Ole Miss practice fields this week. Kiffin, known for his ability to drum up massive days on offense, does not want to give Oklahoma any kind of advantage.