Ole Miss Coach Lane Kiffin Provides Injury Update Entering Bye Week
OXFORD, Miss. -- The No. 13 Ole Miss Rebels picked up a conference victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday night in a 27-20 defensive battle and now own a 5-1 record (2-1 in SEC play) entering their crucial bye week.
The week off could not have come at a better time, as two key playmakers on Ole Miss' offense got banged up early in the first quarter of the team's matchup with Arkansas.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart got hit awkwardly on the game's second play and had a small limp for the remainder of the contest. Top receiver Tre Harris could also be seen on the sidelines nursing an injury.
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin spoke with the media on Sunday and was asked if he believes the injury will affect Dart's availability in two weeks.
"I do not," Kiffin told reporters. "He'll be fine."
Kiffin also gave an update on Harris.
"I think this is a really good time for a bye with Tre," Kiffin said. "I would anticipate that by the time we play, he'd be fine."
Oct 7, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin watches after the final first down during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Kiffin was critical of Dart's performance versus Arkansas but acknowledged that his injury and miscues on offense were the apparent culprits.
"[Dart] didn't play his best game," Kiffin said. "Part of that was due to his injury during the game, and [the offense] didn't help him out. He completed a long ball and it was called back for holding or we dropped an in-route on third down. We didn't help him either."
The Ole Miss defense made a statement versus Arkansas, allowing just 36 rushing yards while recording 10 TFLs, five sacks, and two interceptions. Kiffin had a humorous response for why his defense played so well in Week 6.
"Not playing LSU's quarterback [Jayden Daniels] and receivers," Kiffin said with a grin. "That seems to not be a very good recipe for defenses around the SEC this year.
"Seriously, I thought we did a better job containing the quarterback, stopping the run, and making [Arkansas] one-dimensional."
Kiffin talked about what his team needs to improve upon entering its bye week.
"We need to start playing complete games instead of one side or the other," Kiffin said. "Secure some special teams things up, and just continue to develop."
