Paul Finebaum explains what he learned about Lane Kiffin during win over LSU

Paul Finebaum led the charge against Lane Kiffin when Ole Miss fell short to Alabama, so it’s only right he’s giving him some flowers after defeating LSU.

The Rebels came out on top after a wild 55-49 shootout over the Tigers on Saturday. Afterwards, Finebaum took some medicine for being critical of Kiffin throughout the week, and waxed poetic about his “brilliant” offensive scheme.

“Lane Kiffin proved more to me Saturday than anyone in the country,” Finebaum stated, via McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning. “I was very critical of him last week, as a lot of folks were, and I think with justification. I think if Lane, you gave him some truth serum, he’d admit that for whatever reason, the Alabama game overwhelmed him. But he dialed up a masterpiece Saturday afternoon. I think that’s the Lane Kiffin that we always talk about, and brag about and boast about. He delivered. He proved why he’s one of the most respected offensive minds. It was pure brilliance.

“It was necessary too, and I think in may ways, it was one of the most pivotal games of his tenure at Ole Miss. Not from a longevity standpoint, because he just received a new contract, but just a setting the table standpoint. It came after really, in many ways, his worst loss, from an expectations standpoint. Delivering at home against a rival like LSU was just brilliant to watch.”

Moreover, Ole Miss was tremendous on offense, as Kiffin’s bunch scored seven touchdowns and notched six of them in the first and fourth quarters. That allowed them to start and finish strong while, with 706 yards of offense, always having an answer, or at least enough of them, to take down the 13th-ranked Tigers.

Continuing, Finebaum was simply happy for Kiffin to capture a signature win, and he wanted to give him as much credit for the performance as he could.

“I’m happy for him. It’s easy to criticize him. And I did, and everyone else did as well, for losing to Nick Saban and playing games. Maybe he feels like he has to do something more than just go on the football field. But, against LSU, he was quiet all week,” said Finebaum on Sunday, via ESPN. “I think he was motivated by the criticism and he delivered. He showed why he has the reputation he does.”

“… When the stars are aligned, he shows out as one of the best coaches in the country.”

Paul Finebaum will call you out when you disappoint, but he’ll also give you the props when you’re doing well. Lane Kiffin is learning that following last weekend’s win.

On3’s Sam Gillenwater contributed to this article.