Reb Talk Review: Lane Kiffin rates the Ole Miss defensive line through three games
The season is a fourth of the way through already and will hit the 25 percent completion mark on Saturday when No. 13 Ole Miss hosts Tulane. With three games worth of sample size for evaluation there are some hard truths about the defense.
Lane Kiffin is fully aware, too.
Currently Ole Miss has the Southeastern Conference’s worst rushing defense, giving up 194.6 yards per game. That is 114 yards more than the Rebels allowed a season ago, which led the league.
The Razorbacks rushed for 221 yards and four touchdowns in last weekend’s game, a week after Kentucky rushed for 172 yards and two scores.
While answering fan questions during his weekly appearance on the Reb Talk coaches show, Kiffin said how he would rate the defense from a 1-10 scale
“We’ve been better against the pass. So, you know, maybe like eight against the pass and six against the run,” Kiffin said. “We’ll get better. A lot of new guys in there and sometimes it just takes some time to come together.”
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Here are some other topics Kiffin gave his thoughts on during this week’s Reb Talk.
Why the offensive line played better last week or was it because of a more mature QB?
Kiffin: “I think both. I think they played better. Played their best game of the year, the offensive line, and Trinidad being able to play the way that he has helped you, too, in that category. …That was big, with some continuity because of missing time in camp. A lot of new portal guys. So, they’re coming together well.”
Kewan Lacy’s pass blocking skill during Simmons touchdown play and has he been blocking like that all year?
Kiffin: “Yeah, he has. For a young guy, just a true sophomore, you can see the way that he runs but he’s had some huge pass protection. Picked up some really big linebackers like at Kentucky”
Goals as coach at Ole Miss given he could coach anywhere he wanted (college or pro)
Kiffin: “I’ve said it a lot. This has been an awesome time here and now we’re on six years and so many family dynamics. We have a great staff. All 10 full-time coaches came back and for their family to be here again. It’s just been really special and really been awesome.”
On Knox playing at Oxford and his touchdown celebration last week (if he can be discussed given he’s a prospect)
Kiffin: “I didn’t think about that. He’s got a long ways to go before I recruit him. That stupid dance he did after he scored. I told him at halftime, ‘I’m going to be the first parent to bench you during a game.’ I hope (Oxford head coach Chris) Cutcliffe doesn’t get mad when I bench my own kid for him. …He’s awesome. He is awesome with the kids way beyond football. Just does an amazing job mentoring them and I’m so glad Knox gets an opportunity to be part of it.”
