Today’s Egg Bowl feels less about Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State, and more about Lane Kiffin and what happens after the game.
Kiffin is a clear target for LSU and Florida as the SEC rivals look to fill their coaching vacancies.
Ole Miss AD Keith Carter said on Nov. 21, ‘an announcement on Coach Kiffin’s future is expected the Saturday following the game.’
So is this it for Lane in Oxford? If he does go, will he stick around the College Football Playoff? (Assuming the Rebels take care of business against Bulldogs today.) Or will Lane stay and surprise some folks? The intrigue.
‘Today is about this game,’ Kiffin told SEC Network’s Marty Smith prior to Friday’s game. ‘Eleven wins, potentially for the first time in school history. That’s the first time with 11 wins in the state for any program. A lot on the line. Our guys are focused and ready to play. And this noise thing you’ve been referring to, this has been going on for weeks. This is nothing new for us.’
Asked about a timeline, Kiffin responded, ‘I’m looking forward to kickoff in an hour, that’s all I’m worried about today, and after that let’s go watch Knox (Kiffin) beat Tupelo in high school.’
As for today’s game, it’s a win-and-you’re-in for Ole Miss (10-1, 6-1 SEC). Beat Mississippi State (5-6, 1-6) for a third straight time and the Rebels can carry the Golden Egg Trophy into the CFP.
Kickoff is scheduled for a noon EST from Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville.
After that? Who knows…