Ole Miss Rebels’ Lane Kiffin Gives Compliment On Texas A&M's 'NFL Roster' Prior To Saturday
Texas A&M week for Ole Miss football has grown in popularity over the years, mainly due to the feuding relationship between Rebels coach Lane Kiffin and Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher.
Kiffin, who's 2-0 against the Aggies since arriving in Oxford, hasn't shied away from delivering classic lines. Does anyone else remember the comments made when Fisher hired Ole Miss defensive coordinator DJ Durkin in 2022 by doubling his salary in College Station?
Who else remembers when Fisher called out other SEC programs, dubbing those against the No. 1 recruiting class in 2022 "clown acts?" Does anyone remember Kiffin's response at Kyle Field following a 31-28 victory?
"Maybe Jimbo has a Joker outfit for me," a jovial Kiffin said days before Halloween.
The No. 11 Rebels (7-1, 4-1 SEC) can't be complacent in preparing for an 11 a.m. kick against the Aggies (5-3, 3-2) if they hope to remain a dark horse to win the SEC come early-December. Kiffin credited A&M's roster construction, mentioning how most of the players will find a way to continue their careers on Sundays.
"It kind of a mind-blowing collection of talent as you watch them offensively, defensively, return game, special teams," Kiffin said Monday. "It really is like an NFL roster in height, weight, speed, explosiveness. [They have] receivers who can score at any time.
"The collection of defensive linemen has to be one of the best ever. Their linebacker is playing like the SEC Player of the Year."
Kiffin has a point. A&M ranks second nationally in both sacks (33) and tackles for loss (75) only behind James Maidson. Edgerrin Cooper, the afformentioned linebacker, is making a case for taking on SEC honors with an conference-leading 15.5 tackles for loss to match his seven sacks.
Credit, an essential reason Cooper's numbers have blossomed under Durkin has been because of the defensive front. Four different linemen have totaled three sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss, including defensive end and former top recruit Walter Nolen.
The Aggies have also hindered run-heavy teams from making an impact, holding opponents to 96.1 yards per play. They holding opponents to 19.5 points per contest, third-fewest among SEC teams.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart waits for a snap against Vanderbilt at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss.
© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
"This will take a great week of practice, great preparation, a great scheme to play these guys," said Kiffin. "This is a huge challenge. They've done a phenomenal job of getting a collection of players that are extremely elite."
A&M's offense is still looking for a second-half momentum surge in conference play. Last week's 30-17 win over South Carolina was a testament that the Aggies still are a threat to win on Saturday, but a majority of scoring came before halftime. A&M has yet to score a touchdown in the second half in four straight games, dating back to its Week 4 victory over Auburn.
Consider Saturday a double-edged sword in a sense for the Rebels' preparation. A&M is a perfect 3-0 this season at 11 a.m. kicks, securing wins over Auburn, Arkansas and South Carolina. The Aggies, however, are currently on an eight-game losing streak in true road games.
