Lane Kiffin updates status of wide receivers Jonathan Mingo, Braylon Sanders

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin provided updates on two Ole Miss Rebels on Monday. The Rebs are barreling towards a matchup on Saturday versus No. 11 Texas A&M and could use some extra help.

The team got back wideout Braylon Sanders on Saturday against Liberty but he should be closer to 100% this week.

“I think it was good he got in there,” Kiffin said. “He’s nowhere near 100 percent when we watch the film. I just thought it was critical for him to play some with the quarterback so he has some type of rhythm with him. So hopefully he’ll be better this week.”

Sanders recorded 2 catches for 64 yards in the Rebels’ 27-14 win versus Liberty.

Meanwhile, wideout Jonathan Mingo is still sidelined after suffering a broken foot a month ago.

The Mississippi native was the team’s second-leading receiver in multiple categories prior to his injury. He notched 15 receptions for 290 yards and three touchdowns this season. 

“Yeah, I definitely think Mingo will be back. I don’t now when,” Kiffin clarified. “I kind of joked and said ‘where our injuries have been, we’ll be the most improved team in the world from our last game to the bowl game.’ He’ll be back by a bowl game at least.”

At 7-2, Ole Miss is in line to play in a New Year’s Six bowl game. CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm projects the Rebs to play Michigan in the Peach Bowl this year. However, a loss to the Aggies would end that dream.

Kiffin frustrated after Liberty game

Lane Kiffin was happy with the result on Saturday but expressed frustration in his team as well. Ole Miss was not able to put the game to bed early after gathering a sizeable lead.

“I really thought it was going to happen,” Kiffin said. “I felt good about the week of practice. Even though we have all of these injuries on offense, with the way the game went in the first half I felt it was going to be that complete game you know, 48-7 or something, and it was heading that direction. We got out of rhythm, got some penalties on offense, and didn’t make some plays — a third-down drop — and all of a sudden, we’re in a game.

While Liberty was never a threat to win the game, it’s clear Kiffin was looking for a larger margin of victory than 13 points. Caden Costa’s 38-yard field goal in the third quarter were the only points the Rebels managed in the second half.

Prior to Liberty, two of Ole Miss’ three previous SEC wins were one-possession ball games. Add in a loss to Auburn and Kiffin will continue to look for his team to play a full, dominant four quarters.

On3’s Ashton Pollard contributed to this report.