Lane Kiffin grateful for opportunity to coach Ole Miss after defeating Texas A&M

Texas A&M had the opportunity to tie the game against Ole Miss as regulation expired. Fate did not fall in the favor of the Aggies — and the No. 10 Rebels can keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive for another week after the 38-35 win.

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was visibly elated after Texas A&M missed its deciding attempt. During his postgame interview, he let it be known how grateful he is for the opportunity to coach in high-stakes shootouts like this one.

“Thank God for this opportunity to coach these players. This is a really cool group of coaches and players,” Kiffin told ESPN sideline reporter Katie George postgame. “For the game to end like it did today after the 10-point swing [in the second quarter] to finish the game. That’s awesome for our players.

“Credit to Texas A&M for playing a great game and taking us down to the wire.”

The game was decided by a tipped field goal which was enough to make the Aggie kick come up just a few feet short. Call it payback for Texas A&M’s blocked field goal in the first half that Kiffin was referring to, which was returned for a touchdown by the Aggies.

Ultimately, it didn’t matter and Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart finished the game with 387 passing yards and two touchdowns while running back Quinshon Judkins eclipsed the century mark on the ground to go with three touchdowns. It’s only the second time Texas A&M’s defense allowed more than 22 points in a single game this season.

“This is one of the best defenses in the country. They give people problems and we were able to put up 38 points even though we screwed up in the red zone. It’s awesome and all the credit goes to our players. It’s a great win.”

Next up for Ole Miss is a date with No. 2 Georgia — something that was certainly not on Kiffin’s mind at the moment.

“Thanks for reminding me,” Kiffin said. “They have a pretty good defense, too.”

The Rebels enter Week 11 with an 8-1 record, while Georgia — assuming they take care of business against No. 12 Missouri on Saturday — will be undefeated as they welcome Ole Miss between the hedges. The opening kickoff is TBD as of this report but is a game that will undoubtedly draw national attention, as the outcome could have potential implications regarding the College Football Playoff.