Lane Kiffin addresses late-season meltdowns, difference this season

Lane Kiffin took a look back at some late season meltdowns at Ole Miss and noticed the difference so far this year.

After losing to Alabama last week, Ole Miss could’ve folded under pressure when hosting LSU. Alas, that was not the case in a wild 55-49 win over the Tigers.

Kiffin saw his Rebels were up to the challenge and didn’t want to spiral out of control following a missed opportunity in Tuscaloosa.

“I challenge them,” Kiffin said. “No disrespect to last year’s team but I said ‘Okay. The last two years we were 8-1, play Alabama here and a chance to even go 9-1.’ We lose to Alabama. We let that completely affect us, where we fall apart, lose the rest of the games. 

“So two years ago, our team that was very close, very tight, went into Alabama and got smoked. It was like 42-7, we scored two garbage touchdowns at the end. And they got smoked by Alabama. We were 3-0 going in there at the time just like this team. That team rallied, went 10-2 and went to the Sugar Bowl. So you make the choice. Which team are you going to be. Hope they answered that today.”

Ole Miss will have to keep it up hosting Arkansas next weekend before its bye week. But for now, the Rebels can enjoy a solid win over last year’s division champs.

Lane Kiffin not letting Ole Miss have any meltdowns this year

Jaxson Dart had one of the best games of his career going 26-of-39 passing for 389 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 50 yards on the ground and scored.

Quinshon Judkins added to the mix too, rushing 33 times for 177 yards and one touchdown.

Ole Miss found itself trailing 49-40 with 8:34 remaining after LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. scored a 34-yard touchdown. Thomas appeared to bobble the ball on the play, but officials made the controversial ruling that he had possession as the crowd made its frustrations known.

The Rebels wasted no time responding after that tough blow, however, marching 65 yards downfield on the ensuing drive to cut the deficit to 49-47. They then got the ball back as the defense forced the Tigers to punt.

Ole Miss ran some time off the clock early in the drive before leaning on Dart  the rest of the way. Dart completed all three of his passes on that final drive, including what was ultimately a game-winning 13-yard connection with Tre Harris.

“I’m really happy for our players and our fans,” Kiffin told ESPN postgame. “Electric atmosphere. This ain’t about me. Our players played their butts off and we stopped them when we needed to.”