LSU head coach Lane Kiffin has his sights set on the players for the upcoming game against his past team, Ole Miss. The game sees the No. 7 Tigers facing off against the No. 8 Rebels, now headed by Kiffin’s former defensive coordinator, Pete Golding. Despite the media buzz involving Kiffin’s return, he emphasizes that the game is about player performance, not the coaching staff.
Kiffin noted, “I think it is unusual, one team you built and now a new team you’re building. I know a lot’s gonna be made about me, but this is about the players being prepared and playing very well.” He pointed out that neither he nor Golding will be involved directly on the field, highlighting, “Pete’s not gonna tackle anybody; I’m not gonna throw any touchdowns.”
In preparation for their first SEC game, Kiffin has guided his team to look past the media noise and focus on thorough preparation. Both teams are entering Saturday’s game with a 2-0 record. Ole Miss currently holds the nation’s second-longest win streak, showcasing standout players like quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy.
LSU, led by dynamic quarterback Sam Leavitt, has already made waves with a dominant 51-10 win against Clemson. In contrast, Ole Miss started their season with a 41-38 victory. Both teams have further secured wins against unranked opponents, setting the stage for an impactful game.
This matchup carries added intrigue since Kiffin previously led Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff before being hired by LSU. Meanwhile, moves attempted by LSU to add players with NFL contracts have spurred criticism, yet have not overshadowed the upcoming game itself.
Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET, LSU is slightly favored to win. However, the stage is set for Golding to potentially upend his former mentor’s squad. The matchup will broadcast on ABC.