Why Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss must take advantage and strike in 2024
Zach Berry of OM Spirit believes this is the season for Ole Miss to strike, and take advantage of their talent under Lane Kiffin.
Joining On3’s The Andy Staples Show, Berry spoke with the namesake on how Kiffin and the Rebels can accomplish double-digit wins in 2024, and contend for a national title in a loaded SEC.
“I think this is Ole Miss — Jaxson Dart coined the phrase, kind of stealing from Michael Jordan, calling it ‘The Last Dance.’ A lot of guys came back on this team. They added a ton in the portal. I do think this is the window for Lane Kiffin. I think this is when you have to strike,” Berry stated. “You have to take advantage with, in my opinion, the two toughest games on the schedule are at home, in Georgia and Oklahoma. You get Georgia Nov. 9, and Oklahoma late October. You get a nice runway in the middle of the year with four, I’d call them cupcakes. Furman, MTSU, Wake Forest — at Wake is not anywhere near as dangerous as it was in recent years, and then Georgia Southern, and then you’re going head-first into SEC play.
“Yeah, I think 10-2 is absolutely a realistic thing. I know with FanDuel, with the 9.5 with the hook, it makes it tricky. Let’s say Ole Miss loses one it’s not supposed to, or there’s some injury concerns. Guys are banged up, they lose a tight one. Last second field-goal type deal, 9-3. I’m still sticking with 10-2.”
Moreover, Berry referenced the amount of talent Ole Miss has on offense and defense in making his point, explaining how the Rebels can utilize their stars and get to the promise land.
“I think the amount of talent and experience coming back on offense, and then the added fire-power of Juice Wells. The word is still that Logan Diggs is going to be ready by conference play. I don’t know if that’ll be Kentucky, or if that’ll be into October, but I know there’s been some back and forth on that. You know, how’s the knee, is he going to be ready. I think that’s just an added bonus,” Berry explained. “I think Ulysses Bentley is more than capable of being the No. 1 guy, and it’s not talked about enough, but Ole Miss really likes the true sophomore that’ll be behind him in Kedrick Reescano, four-star guy from Texas that Ole Miss beat out a ton of really good programs for. He’s just chomping at the bit, waiting for his turn.
“So Diggs would be an excellent addition to that backfield as you get into SEC play, and I also anticipate Ole Miss at least kicking the tires a little bit in the spring period in the portal, if there’s any guys that get in. So yeah, I would go over. I feel pretty confident with the defensive additions, and Jaxson Dart in the third year.”
Will Lane Kiffin ever win a national title for the Rebels? That remains to be seen, but he’ll have a shot in 2024. Time will tell if he’s able to get the job done in Oxford.