Lane Kiffin has packed a lot into the past two decades.
He was the son of the famous Tampa 2 defenseman father (Monte). Assistant who worked with Pete Carroll, Matt Leinart, and Reggie Bush. The 31-year-old was hired by Al Davis to lead the Raiders. The coach who left Tennessee after one year. Shots were fired by the University of Southern California on the airport tarmac. He teamed up with Nick Saban to win one U.S. National Championship. And it was booted the week before another national title game.
Kiffin, 49, is a social media troll, traditional media darling, coveted character in robotics sports, and an excellent play-caller who keeps his team as entertained as he is. be.
But when the season-defining game arrives, the most unpredictable manager in the country spoils the outcome.
Kiffin is 1-11 against top-five teams. 3 wins and 15 losses against top 10 teams. He's James Franklin with a sense of humor.
Ole Miss entered this season ranked No. 6 in the nation, its highest preseason ranking in 54 years. After a smooth run through their annual soft non-conference schedule, the Rebels stumbled at home against No. 15 Kentucky. Ole Miss then lost to LSU.
Ole Miss will need to beat Georgia if Kiffin is to make the playoffs for the first time as head coach. It was the same situation last year when the Rebels ran away with the Bulldogs and won 52-17.
Carson Beck's regression and a Georgia defense that hasn't lived up to its reputation have narrowed the gap between the teams this year, but the best team of the decade remains the safest bet in the sport. do not have. The team that crushed Clemson and won at No. 1 Texas would have been undefeated if not for “the miracle half where Michael Vick showed up,” Kiffin acknowledged this week, citing Alabama's Jalen Milroe. Ta.
4 years have passed since then Georgia (-2.5, -110 BetMGM) They have lost to every team other than Alabama. After all, it changes.
But are you really willing to leave that to the worst big game coach in sports?
Purdue (+37.5) Ohio State
The Buckeyes are currently the favorites to win the national championship. If that happens, Chip Kelly and Will Howard won't be the biggest reason. The Buckeyes have never scored more than 38 points in a Big Ten game this season.
Georgia Tech (+11.5 ) vs. Miami
Hurricanes are like political ads: they're both frightening and persuasive. But when you look at the facts, you'll find that unlike other undefeated teams, Miami has barely survived four of its past five games due to a below-average defense.
Florida (+21.5) vs. Texas
I hope DJ Lagway can play. If not, you should also know that Texas' star-studded quarterback room isn't worth the price, with the Longhorns allowing fewer than 30 points per game against Power Four opponents.
Virginia Tech (+6.5) vs. Clemson
I should have seen the banana peel coming. It's been four years since Clemson finished in the top 10. After being exposed by Louisville, the Tigers, who boast the ninth-ranked defense in the ACC, were reminded that they haven't beaten any team in the conference with a winning record.
Indiana State (-14.5) vs. Michigan State
There's nothing to see here, just that the defending champions scored two touchdowns against a team that has only lost twice since Mickey Mantle retired last year when they lost by 45 points. Only. The Hoosiers (9-0) boast the nation's best scoring differential (plus-27.8).
Colorado (-3.5) vs. Texas Tech
Deion Sanders will be back on screen. The Big 12 is suddenly up for grabs, and the Buffaloes control their path to the league title game. Receiver Travis Hunter's Heisman moment could come against the 124th-ranked pass defense in the country.
Missouri State (+2.5) vs. Oklahoma State
This season, the Sooners were on the books to play backup quarterback Drew Pyne (8-2 as a starter at Notre Dame in 2022, including 4-1 against ranked teams) for the Tigers. He was listed as an underdog for the sixth time. Welcome to the SEC. You are now in Arkansas.
Oregon State (-25.5) vs. Maryland
Maryland is 0-9 against top-10 teams led by coach Mike Locksley, losing by an average of 28 points per game. Is there hope this time? Now, at a recent Maryland alumni gathering, the topic of discussion was whether the Terrapins would make the playoffs in the next 50 years. No one said yes.
Florida State (+25.5) vs. Notre Dame
For those of you who “like living dangerously” by keeping a five on blackjack, let’s call it “Austin Powers.” I need a lot of help.
Alabama (-3) vs. LSU
The Tigers don't have the answer to slow Jalen Milroe, who ran for 155 yards and four touchdowns last year. Instead of going up against Jaden Daniels, Brian Kelly will have to rely on Garrett Nussmeier, who threw five interceptions on a sub-47 completion percentage in two games against SEC-ranked opponents.
Mississippi State (+23.5) vs. Tennessee State
There were 17 double-digit losses in SEC play. All but two covered the spread. The Volantes have not won more than 28 points in a league match. Bulldogs are fine with at least 5 people.
Washington (+13.5) vs. Penn State
The Huskies have been terrible on the road, and their underrated defense has recently held Indiana to its lowest score of the season and the University of Southern California to its second-worst score, but the Nittany Lions' There is a possibility that they will be defeated by a narrow margin against the recent repeated and overwhelming attacks.
Do you want to bet on college football?
Boise State (-24.5) vs. Nevada
The 12th-ranked Broncos hold their highest ranking in 13 years, winning their home games by an average margin of nearly 32 points. Ashton Giunty needs at least 200 more guys on the ground to keep his Heisman hopes alive.
Biyu (-4) vs. Utah
There's no reason to throw away records in this rivalry match. The Utes, the Big 12's preseason favorite to win, have hit rock bottom after failing to score 20 points during a four-game losing streak. With Cam Rising out, the undefeated Cougars will pick up their first win in Salt Lake City since 2006.
Best bet: Georgia, Colorado, Mississippi.
season: 79-70-1(10-19-1).
2014-23 record: 1,272-1,206-30.
