Lane Kiffin Not Worried About ‘Closing the Spread’ With His Offensive Game Plan

Ole Miss Rebels They haven’t looked like themselves offensively in conference play this season, but perhaps some of that is by design?

According to head coach Lane Kiffin, the Rebels have areas where they need to improve offensively, but there were several instances during SEC play where the proverbial foot was taken off the gas late in the game. He says this was against South Carolina and Oklahoma, two games the Rebels would win; They have just two wins against SEC opponents so far this college football season.

“This is two games where we played a little differently in the fourth quarter than people are used to seeing,” Kiffin said at a news conference Monday. he said. “We want to take some time and be more confident in our play calls because we want to win the game.”

Some of Ole Miss’ offensive struggles have nothing to do with that. including some problems with run blocking Kiffin also referenced this on Monday. But ultimately the Rebel defense has been this team’s definitive strength in 2024, and with so much new depth up front why not take advantage?

“We are not trying to cover up the spread,” Kiffin said. “I know our play offensively in the fourth quarter wasn’t the most exciting, but when your defense plays that well, some of that comes with it. When we slow down, we tend to be less productive.”

So yes, there are things Ole Miss needs to do better offensively against SEC opponents, especially On the road against Arkansas this weekend and when Georgia Bulldogs Come to Oxford next week. But at the same time, leaning on a competitive-first defense may also be a winning strategy that Kiffin employed twice in October.

The game between the Rebels and Razorbacks is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday and will air on ESPN.