Lane Kiffin: Heisman candidate Matt Corral is a special person, leader

During his Friday interview with Paul Finebaum, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin talked Heisman odds and overcoming injuries. In Lane Kiffin’s offense, quarterback Matt Corral has blossomed into a Heisman Trophy candidate, thrusting the Rebels into the national eye each week.

“Well, we got a long way to go in the season,” said Kiffin. “Like I tell our team, rankings don’t mean anything until the final one. So frontrunner for Heisman after six weeks doesn’t mean anything… But Matt has done an unbelievable job, the way he played last week, and this has nothing to do with voting, but if you’re around this kid, he is a special person, kid, leader. I just love being around him.”

Corral is one of the leading contenders to win the Heisman Trophy. On the season, he has completed 66.3% of his passes for 1,728 yards, 14 touchdowns and an interception. He also has 450 rushing yards and eight scores on 88 carries. Heading into Week Eight, Matt Corral is tied with Alabama quarterback Bryce Young as the Heisman co-favorite.

“If I was looking at it, I would say this guy has had injuries all over the place,” said Kiffin. “Playing without two of his top three receivers, playing without the two top tight ends from Week 1, he’s running around having to make plays — 200 yards rushing in the SEC. That doesn’t happen very often. It isn’t like he’s just sitting back there with five-star players all around and everyone wide open.”

Against Tennessee, Matt Corral completed 21-of-38 pass attempts for 231 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also had a historic night on the ground, rushing 30 times for 195 yards, a career high. In the win, Corral also suffered an apparent ankle injury. The exact injury remains unknown.

Matt Corral status update

Ahead of Saturday’s game against LSU, ESPN college football analyst Marty Smith provided a status update on Heisman candidate Matt Corral, who Lane Kiffin listed as a game-time decision. The breakout star suffered an apparent ankle injury last week against Tennessee, but the extent remains unknown.

“It’s unknown at this point how bad that injury is,” Smith said during a live spot for ESPN’s College GameDay. “I spoke to Lane Kiffin this morning and asked him what he expected from his quarterback today. He’s still calling it a game-time decision. But in the hotel this morning, they met, did some drops, did some movement, did some work, and (Kiffin) does expect Matt Corral to play today right behind me in Vaught-Hemingway (Stadium).”