Lane Kiffin reveals challenges Texas Tech presents

Heading into the Texas Bowl, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin knows that the Texas Tech Red Raiders present a unique challenge to his Rebels.

The question came up during a Texas Bowl practice when Lane Kiffin was asked to analyze the strengths that Texas Tech is going to present.

“I think that they’re very multiple on defense and run around, play a lot of different things,” Lane Kiffin explained.

Then, Lane Kiffin seems concerned about finding a way to stop the Red Raiders’ offense. In particular, because Texas Tech likes to run tempo.

“And, on offense, obviously, tempo. People think that just because you play it that your defense is going to be good at it. Well, the analytics don’t really show that. You know, if you look at a lot of tempo teams on offense, they still struggle on defense against it. Just like their last game, Oklahoma, basically both sides.”

That game between Texas Tech and Oklahoma that Lane Kiffin referenced came in the final week of the regular season. In that game, the Red Raiders beat Oklahoma to move to 7-5 on the season by a score of 51-48. Both teams ran tempo. So, hypothetically, both defenses should have been ready, but they weren’t.

“So, we’ll have our hands full in all areas,” Lane Kiffin concluded.

The Texas Bowl will be played on December 28th at 9:00 PM.

Lane Kiffin on Ole Miss not having opt-outs

One thing that is going to help Ole Miss in the Texas Bowl is that the team is fairly intact and healthy for the game. In fact, despite the growing trend of players opting out, the Rebels won’t be missing any players from the bowl game for that reason, at least. That even includes players who are in the transfer portal.

“Yeah, I’m pleased with the team. Guys that are even in the portal, going other places are still playing. no one is opting out,” Lane Kiffin said.