Lane Kiffin says Kentucky has a NFL defense. (SEC Photo)
Not everyone likes Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin’s style or confidence. However, give him credit for also being blunt and honest at times.
His No. 6 Rebels open Southeastern Conference play by hosting Kentucky Saturday at noon (EST) on ABC-TV. The Rebels featured Heisman Trophy candidate Jaxson Dart at quarterback.
Kentucky is only 2-2 and unranked but the Wildcats have already played two SEC teams. The Cats lost both but fell only 13-12 to then No. 1 Georgia.
“I’m a realest. I don’t think our opponents have really prepared for the SEC play. My hope is that our practice and our fall camp have prepared us because we play against very good players on both sides of the ball,” Kiffin said.
“Defensively we play against really big linemen, same the other way around. The schedule is what it is. I hope our practice has (prepared us) because our practice is similar to what we will face.“
The Rebels have not played a ranked team but are being touted as a national playoff contender. Again, Kiffin knows his team still has to prove that it deserves that type of attention.
“Statistically, teams we have played have struggled this year. That is why I am not making big statements about where we are ranked or how good we are on offense or defense,” Kiffin said. “I said we have a chance to be really elite and really good, but we are going to have to prove that against bigger and better players.”
Kiffin was not shy about praising Kentucky’s defense — the one Ohio coach Tim Albin said had no weaknesses last week.
“This will be very challenging. These guys took Georgia down to the wire and ran for over 200 yards. These guys are really good and when they’re motivated to play, they play really good,” Kiffin said.
“They have really good length on defense, great size and length, and so they’re able to play with Georgia. When you don’t have size and length on defense, you struggle against Georgia or Alabama. They very much look like an NFL defense from a structure and from a size standpoint in coverages and techniques.
“It’s why a lot of people struggle against them and games seem more like NFL games. It’s hard to make yards. It’s hard to run the ball.”
Kentucky ranks 10th in rushing yards allowed per game (74.75) and seventh in run defense success rate (52.5 percent).
“In the SEC every week, you’re going to play at least one really unique, high-draft pick, front seven-type defensive player. This is a good example of it with this inside guy (Deone Walker) that’s a problem. He’s 6-7, 330, and can rush. He’s a perfect example of the SEC type of problem players up front,” Kiffin said.
12 Responses
Rumors down here in Florida – Kiffin or Gruden to Gainesville.
It will be Gruden.
They need Stoops.
“… when they’re motivated to play, they play really good,”
Lane Kiffin summed up the issue UK has had season after season…
“These guys are really good and when they’re motivated to play, they play really good,” Kiffin said.
Stoops has not proven he can be an elected coach because he has refused to address the same major problems every game.
MOTIVATION… if a coach cannot find the key to motivate players to do their best only a dozen or so games a year, then he is not earning his keep, even at a lot less than $9 M
Special Teams are still weak. An outstanding kicker is a bonus & does not fix other issues.
MENTALLY PREPARED is void most games. That is why players can’t focus
Micro-managing has been costly. Just count the OC revolving door use
Rinse and Repeat…this is what we continue to get from Stoops and have been for a number of years. How many games have we started out looking lethargic and not prepared to engage? Stoops is a good coach in some areas but overall he is not a motivator, leader, or inspirational at all. As I have said more than once, he sideline demeanor is always very placid…never shows emotion unless disagrees with call against the team. I still do not expect this year to end like we were all led to believe, and it is time for Barney to send him packing with a couple of positional coaches as well.
Agree! How to get out of yet another $9 Mil ridiculous contract by Barney is a challenge
Let’s see how this year plays out – I’ve always thought with our schedule a 7 win season would be a great success.
Just spent four days playing golf in NC with a dear friend who is a Gamecock grad and big contributor to the FB program – he didn’t mention the UK game even once. Now, that’s a true friend.
There are still a lot of fine folks l. It’s always nice when your friends are among them.
a very good friend
I was pleasantly surprised with Jasper Johnson’s first game with his new team.
Johnson has wrapped up his first game with his new team, Rod Wave Elite, a part of Overtime Elite. He dropped 27 points to go along with six rebounds, two assists, and two steals in their 90-82 win over Wilson Academy. He shot 9-of-17 from the field and 3-of-8 from deep. The future Cat was 6-for-8 from the free-throw line as well. The biggest part that doesn’t get mentioned too often is that he did all that with zero turnovers.
I hope he can keep that up. That kind of play will make everyone forget about Mullins and make me eat some crow. Pass the salt please. I always thought Mullins would stay home in Indiana. Can Pope sign both Wilson and Cenac? If so, 2025 will be rocking and rolling! John who?
I think this game is weather what direction the season going to be. Cats need to win this one to make up the S. Carolina loss.