Lane Kiffin’s victory over Georgia is more than just a win for Ole Miss; it symbolizes a personal and professional triumph for a coach who has faced adversity, criticism, and reinvention
From his early days at USC to his success at FAU, and now as the leader of Ole Miss, Kiffin has grown into a resilient, innovative, and respected figure in college football.
Reflecting on his journey, Kiffin’s words on The Paul Finebaum Show capture the spirit of resilience that has defined his career.
“I wouldn’t have been here to have the Georgia win if you wouldn’t have got me fired at USC,” he said, a statement that speaks to his belief in learning from setbacks.
Kiffin’s story is a testament to the power of growth, perseverance, and humor in the face of adversity. With Ole Miss now a program on the rise, his journey from USC to Oxford is a narrative of redemption, accomplishment, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Rebels, under Lane Kiffin, are not only a force to be reckoned with but also a reminder that setbacks can lead to even greater victories.
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Paul Finebaum: Lane Kiffin’s Triumph over Georgia
A Defining Victory for Ole Miss
In a remarkable feat in Week 11, head coach Lane Kiffin led the Ole Miss Rebels to a 28-10 victory over the then-No. 2-ranked Georgia Bulldogs.
This historic win not only marks the Rebels’ highest-ranked victory since 2015 but also the program’s most significant margin of victory against a top-five opponent since 1969.
For Kiffin, this moment symbolizes the culmination of a career journey defined by resilience, learning, and redemption.
The Journey to a Landmark Win
For Lane Kiffin, leading Ole Miss to victory over Georgia was more than just a game; it was a statement.
His career in college football has been a rollercoaster of challenges and reinventions, from controversial firings to transformative successes. This recent win represents not just a high point for Ole Miss but also a significant personal milestone for Kiffin.
Under Kiffin’s guidance, the Rebels have established themselves as fierce competitors in the SEC. Their recent ascent to No. 10 in the AP Top 25 Poll and No. 11 in the College Football Playoff rankings is a testament to the team’s hard work, discipline, and Kiffin’s effective coaching.
Reflecting on the Past: Lane Kiffin on “The Paul Finebaum Show”
On Wednesday, Kiffin appeared on The Paul Finebaum Show, where he shared thoughts on his career and the recent victory.
Kiffin used the opportunity to thank Finebaum, the popular college football analyst, for a comment he made a decade ago, which had a profound impact on Kiffin’s career trajectory.
Recalling Finebaum’s infamous comparison of Kiffin to pop star Miley Cyrus on College GameDay in 2013, Kiffin humorously acknowledged how it influenced his path.
In 2013, following Finebaum’s suggestion that USC should part ways with Kiffin, the Trojans indeed fired him. Reflecting on this, Kiffin joked, “You got me fired from USC and we’ve said that before.”
With self-deprecating humor, he thanked Finebaum, saying, “I wouldn’t have been here to have the Georgia win if you wouldn’t have got me fired at USC.”
Embracing Resilience: Learning from Setbacks
Following his firing from USC, Kiffin faced a pivotal moment in his career. He could have chosen to step away from the sport, but instead, he leaned into the adversity, using it as a learning opportunity.
He joined Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, immersing himself in a championship-winning program with one of college football’s most successful coaches.
Kiffin’s time at Alabama proved transformative. Working under Saban, he learned invaluable lessons about coaching, discipline, and perseverance.
This experience reshaped his approach to the game and solidified his reputation as an offensive innovator. His success at Alabama not only reignited his career but also positioned him as a top head-coaching candidate.
Paul Finebaum: Laying the Foundation for Ole Miss
In 2017, after three seasons with Alabama, Kiffin accepted a head coaching position at Florida Atlantic University (FAU).
During his three years with the Owls, Kiffin led FAU to two Conference USA championships and multiple program-record victories.
His 11-win seasons in both 2017 and 2019 set FAU on an upward trajectory, showcasing his ability to revitalize struggling programs and build winning cultures.
The success at FAU paved the way for Kiffin’s return to the SEC as head coach of Ole Miss.
When he arrived in Oxford, he brought with him the lessons learned from Saban, along with the strategic innovations he had honed over his career. Kiffin quickly made his mark, establishing Ole Miss as an offensive powerhouse.
Nothing to see here… just a normal interview with @Lane_Kiffin pic.twitter.com/U3yMC0SknR
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) November 13, 2024
Transforming Ole Miss: The Making of a Contender
Since taking the helm at Ole Miss, Kiffin has transformed the program into a serious contender in the SEC. In 2021, he led the Rebels to an impressive 10-2 regular season, marking the first time in program history that Ole Miss reached 10 regular-season wins.
That success has continued, as the Rebels continue to climb in national rankings, and the team’s explosive offense has become one of the most talked-about in college football.
Kiffin’s innovative offensive strategies, combined with a resilient team culture, have made Ole Miss a formidable opponent. Players have bought into his vision, and the Rebels’ current ranking is a direct result of Kiffin’s dedication and tactical expertise.
Kiffin’s Comments on Miley Cyrus and Redemption
On The Paul Finebaum Show, Kiffin humorously revisited Finebaum’s comparison of him to Miley Cyrus, a comment that once stirred controversy but has since become part of college football lore.
Finebaum’s comment, made during Kiffin’s tenure at USC, described him as “the Miley Cyrus of college football.” The comparison hinted at Kiffin’s controversial reputation and the drama that often surrounded his career.
But Kiffin, in true Miley Cyrus fashion, took the criticism in stride. Reflecting on the comparison, he said, “Thanks for the Miley Cyrus comment…She’s still doing pretty well, so again, it really wasn’t that big of a shot.”
His lighthearted response demonstrates his ability to look back with humor, appreciating the journey he’s taken to arrive at his current success.
Paul Finebaum: From Controversial Figure to Beloved Leader
Kiffin’s career trajectory is unique. From the controversies at USC to his revitalization of Florida Atlantic and now his resurgence with Ole Miss, he has evolved from a divisive figure to a respected coach.
His humor and candor have made him a fan favorite, and his transformation into a disciplined, strategic leader has earned him the respect of players, peers, and fans alike.
While Kiffin’s tenure has had its share of controversies, his success at Ole Miss has silenced critics and redefined his legacy. The victory over Georgia is just one chapter in a career marked by resilience, but it highlights the journey from redemption to acclaim.
A Program on the Rise: Ole Miss’s Future under Kiffin
As Ole Miss continues its climb in the rankings, Kiffin’s leadership has propelled the Rebels into the national conversation. His approach has reinvigorated a program that now stands as a serious contender for SEC titles.
With an explosive offense, disciplined defense, and renewed team spirit, the Rebels’ trajectory under Kiffin is promising.
In the latest AP Top 25 Poll, Ole Miss reached the No. 10 spot, a ranking that reflects the team’s progress. In the College Football Playoff rankings, they landed at No. 11, underscoring their potential to make a mark in postseason play.
The future is bright for the Rebels, and under Kiffin’s guidance, Ole Miss is set to remain a dominant force in college football.
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Paul Finebaum: Strengths of the Ole Miss Roster
Ole Miss’s success this season can be attributed to several key players and strong unit performances across the roster.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart has been a standout, displaying impressive accuracy and decision-making, which have been essential to the Rebels’ high-powered offense.
Dart’s ability to make plays under pressure and lead the team through tight games has made him a reliable leader on the field.
Additionally, the Ole Miss running game has been a powerful asset, with players like Quinshon Judkins and Ulysses Bentley IV contributing significant yardage and touchdowns.
Their ability to control the pace of the game and wear down defenses has allowed Ole Miss to control time of possession, an advantage in high-stakes matchups.
On defense, the Rebels have made strides in containing opponents, although there remains room for improvement, particularly against more physical teams like Georgia and Alabama.
Challenges Facing Ole Miss
- While Ole Miss is well-positioned to make the College Football Playoff, they still face several challenges that could hinder their chances.
- One major obstacle is the competitive nature of the SEC.
- Even though the Rebels have only lost two games, those defeats came against two of the top teams in the nation: Alabama and Georgia.
- These losses reveal some vulnerabilities, particularly on the defensive side, which could be exploited by stronger opponents in the playoffs.
- Another factor to consider is the influence of the CFP selection committee.
- With other strong teams vying for playoff spots, including fellow SEC teams Alabama and LSU, the Rebels may need to rely on favorable committee rankings to secure an at-large bid.
- Although Ole Miss is ranked 11th, a loss in either of their final two games could lead to a drop in rankings and jeopardize their chances of being selected for the CFP.
Paul Finebaum: Competing Against SEC Rivals
The SEC is one of the toughest conferences in college football, and competition for playoff spots is fierce.
Alabama and Georgia, both highly ranked and having only one or zero losses, are likely playoff candidates, which could limit the number of SEC teams in the field.
Alabama is particularly relevant as they are currently ranked higher than Ole Miss in the CFP rankings and hold the head-to-head advantage after defeating the Rebels earlier this season.
The selection committee often prioritizes teams with fewer losses and marquee wins, meaning that the Rebels must finish the season strong and hope that other high-ranking SEC teams stumble.
Although Ole Miss has improved its position over the course of the season, competing in the SEC means they must consistently perform at an elite level to secure a playoff berth.
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What Needs to Happen for Ole Miss to Secure a Playoff Spot
- For Ole Miss to make the College Football Playoff, they need to win their remaining games against Florida and Mississippi State convincingly.
- A 10-2 record with a strong finish would bolster their ranking and improve their odds of securing an at-large spot.
- Additionally, they’ll need some help from other conferences and teams to maintain their standing. If top-ranked teams like Alabama or LSU lose a game, it would significantly improve Ole Miss’s chances.
- The Rebels must also focus on minimizing turnovers and tightening up their defensive play. While their offense has been productive, limiting mistakes on both sides of the ball is crucial in high-stakes games.
- An effective game plan and disciplined execution will be essential to maintaining their ranking and impressing the selection committee.
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