Ole Miss Fans Gear Up for Kiffin’s Return
OXFORD, Miss. — The excitement among Ole Miss fans has been building for this game ever since Lane Kiffin departed for LSU about ten months ago. A little longer to wait, it seems, isn’t going to quell the strong feelings toward their former head coach before the big matchup.
Just walking around campus for a few minutes, I quickly overheard chatter about Kiffin, who spent six seasons coaching the Rebels.
As he heads back to Oxford on Saturday afternoon, Kiffin is stepping into an environment charged with tension. Many fans are still upset about his abrupt exit last Thanksgiving, just weeks before the College Football Playoff was to kick off.
Kiffin’s Return Stirs Mixed Emotions
“Honestly, I’m not gonna lie. Forget Lane Kiffin. We’re definitely going to show him what’s up,” one Ole Miss student shared in “The Grove” on Friday.
This sentiment echoed across campus. Another student expressed, “He’s finished. Just dust in the wind. He’s definitely got something up his sleeve, maybe even with that injury report. Just a scumbag move.”
Oxford’s Excitement Builds
On a beautiful and hot afternoon in Oxford, fans gathered in the historic Square for some good food and drinks, kicking off what feels like a city-wide festival that started on Wednesday and seems set to last through Sunday. Whatever happens during the game in Vaught Hemingway Stadium Saturday night, Kiffin’s presence is bound to create a charged atmosphere.
And to be fair, that’s what everyone is anticipating.
Preparations Reflect High Stakes
With months of back-and-forth on social media, in podcasts, and even interviews, Kiffin seems to be relishing the spotlight leading up to this clash against his old team.
If anyone thinks differently, they may not understand Kiffin’s flair for drama. It’s reminiscent of a professional wrestler soaking in the boos from a riled-up crowd. Just imagine Kiffin drawing attention like a character from a wrestling promotion.
Earlier this week, Kiffin listed quarterback Sam Leavitt as ‘doubtful’ on the injury report, only to upgrade his status to ‘questionable’ later. Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding wasn’t buying it for even a second.
“I got a text before the report went out where Lane said, ‘Hey, our quarterback’s out.’ I just thought, ‘Yeah, right,’” Golding recounted during an interview. “Been around long enough to know how these things work.” He was clearly not taking the situation lightly.
Expect quite a bit of trash talk during the game; it could rival the best comedy routines. Most of that banter will likely be aimed at Kiffin, while some LSU fans will catch a bit of flak as well.
This is what makes college football exciting. A thrilling day is on the horizon in Oxford, with the most polarizing figure in Mississippi set to take the stage.
