Everything Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin said during opening SEC Coaches Teleconference
The college football season officially begins this week and with that means the SEC football coaches start their weekly teleconference appearances, including Lane Kiffin.
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin spoke a few topics including the quarterback battle in what was a relatively short appearance during Wednesday’s call ahead of the Rebels season opener against Troy (3 p.m. CT / SEC Network).
Two days after stating a decision has not been made between Jaxson Dart and Luke Altmyer being named the starting quarterback, Kiffin reaffirmed that. With 72 hours to go, there is still not a No. 1 and No. 2 on the depth chart.
Kiffin also discussed further his comments about Oxford he made on Monday and what the city has done for him over what other cities along his coaching stop.
Here is everything Kiffin said:
Opening Statement
Kiffin: “Excited to play at home and potentially keep our home winning streak alive. Hope we have a great crowd. Got a lot of new players that haven’t been around here. So, pretty exciting for them but we need to play really well against a really good opponent.”
How has the team responded in practice after Saturday’s final fall scrimmage?
Kiffin: “They’ve practiced well in response to it. Just on the field now, finishing (practice). Two good days and still a lot of work to do.”
Have you made a decision regarding the starting quarterback or holding decision to Saturday?
Kiffin: “It’s not a hold. We haven’t made a decision so it’s not a competitive withhold or anything. The guys are extremely even.”
How much has Zach Evans changed and what might people see out of him this year?
Kiffin: “He’s done a great job coming over and prepared really hard. He’s been a leader on and off the field. He’s been great. Excited to see him perform Saturday.”
Are Jaxson Dart and Luke Altmyer similar in how they run the offense or different?
Kiffin: “They’re pretty similar. I think I could call basically the same plays for them. Both kind of pocket passers, I guess you could call them.”
Do you think you could have made the “I needed Oxford” comment earlier in your coaching career?
Kiffin: “No, I couldn’t have. I certainly don’t think I would have said, ‘I needed (Los Angeles) more than they needed me.’ I don’t know that L.A. would do what Oxford does for someone. It’s just been a great experience and I think part of that has to do with my daughter moving here. Going to high school here for her senior year and seeing her enjoyment with the people here. (She) actually decided this weekend to go to Ole Miss. So, it’s pretty cool timing with everything.”
