Ole Miss Rebels Lane Kiffin Believes Roster Won't Have Opt-Outs For Peach Bowl
Teams left out of the College Football Playoff often lose a player or two as they begin preparing for the NFL Draft. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin isn't expecting that.
Kiffin said he expects to have a full roster at his disposal when the Rebels take on No. 10 Penn State in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl on Dec. 30 at Noon ET. Over the past two bowl games, No. 11 Ole Miss has yet to have a significant player leave the program prior to the bowl game.
"We're kind of not in one of those years where we really have some first-rounders that are coming out and are concerned with injuries and so forth, so I would not anticipate that," said Kiffin during the Peach Bowl introductory press conference.
Just because a player elects to suit up and play does not mean they won't declare for the draft at a later date. Last season, running back Zach Evans suited up for the TaxAct Texas Bowl against Texas Tech but announced his decision to forgo his senior season and prepare for the draft.
The same could happen for several underclassmen, including quarterback Jaxson Dart, who still has not yet publicly decided on his future in Oxford. Draft grades often determine a player's status, especially with the risk of injury factoring into the selection process.
"No disrespect to our guys, but just for grades coming back and conversations with our guys in general, I don't think that we have guys really in that conversation, that first round type of grade or projection to potentially opt out," Kiffin said. "So, I don't think that will be an issue with us this year."
Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin (left) talks with Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) during a time out during the first half against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
The Rebels (10-2, 6-2 SEC) posted their second 10-win regular season in program history after securing the 17-7 Egg Bowl victory over Mississippi State last month. Ole Miss' offense continued to deliver behind Dart's consistency and balanced run game headlined by Quinshon Judkins.
Florida State's absence in the CFP opened the door for a second SEC school to earn a New Year's Six Bowl bid. Throughout the week leading up to Selection Sunday, there were arguments of whether the Rebels or No. 9 Missouri could be left out of the conversation.
This marks the third trip to Atlanta for the Rebels. Ole Miss is 1-1 all-time in Peach Bowl appearances, most recently losing to TCU in 2014. The Rebels defeated Georgia Tech back in 1971.
The Nittany Lions (10-2) bested everyone on their schedule minus Big Ten powerhouses Ohio State and Michigan. They feature one of the nation's top defenses, headlined by defensive end Chop Robinson and linebacker Abdul Carter.
"I got an early report from my personnel people that phenomenal players, great starters on defense," said Kiffin. "I was hoping Coach [James] Franklin was going to announce they're opting out. That would help us with that too. So that's all I know."
Penn State ranks top-three nationally in scoring defense, holding opponents to 11.4 points per game. The Nittany Lions also finished the regular season leading the nation in fewest allowed (223.3 per game) and top-five in pass coverage (153.6 yards per game).
With a win, the Rebels would clinch their first 11-win season in program history, marking another milestone in the Kiffin era. Ole Miss is 1-2 all-time under Kiffin in bowl games.
"We have a goal to do better this time around and finish off and have the first 11-win season in the history of the school," said Kiffin. "Any time your players are having success on the field and doing well helps you in recruiting."
