OXFORD, Miss. – Lane Kiffin’s ongoing consideration of other coaching opportunities has placed immense pressure on the Ole Miss Rebels as they prepare for their Friday rivalry game against mississippi State, with athletic director ross Bjork emphasizing Kiffin’s focus must remain on the current team. The situation casts a shadow over Ole Miss’s potential College Football Playoff hopes, and a loss in the Egg Bowl could jeopardize their season.
Ole Miss currently holds a 10-1 record and is ranked sixth nationally. A loss to Mississippi State would significantly diminish their chances of securing an at-large bid to the playoff, placing them among a group of 10-2 teams vying for limited spots.
the timing of Kiffin’s deliberations is especially concerning, as a potential departure after a victory – or, crucially, a defeat – could lead the College Football Playoff committee to reassess the Rebels’ candidacy, mirroring the 2022 situation with Florida State and its injured quarterback.
“Coach Kiffin and I have had many pointed and positive conversations regarding his future at Ole Miss,” Bjork stated.”While we discuss next steps, we know we cannot lose sight of what is most crucial — our sixth-ranked team that is poised to finish the regular season in historic fashion. Despite outside noise, Coach Kiffin is focused on preparing our team for the Egg Bowl.”
Ole Miss is favored by 8.5 points against Mississippi State, a team that has demonstrated advancement this season but remains in a rebuilding phase. The Egg Bowl rivalry is known for its unpredictable nature, with past games featuring upsets and memorable moments, including a recent incident where an Ole Miss player apologized for a touchdown party mimicking urinating on a dog.
