Wallace: Lane Kiffin is “Full of It” | Don’t @ Me w/ Dan Dakich

In a recent press conference, Lane Kiffin suggested that the players were eager for a new addition to the roster, effectively deflecting any blame away from himself. He stated, “The leadership committee wanted this.” This elicited skepticism, with some, like Wallace, asserting that Kiffin is misleading.

This Saturday night in Oxford, it may feel like Kiffin and Pete Golding are engaged in a fierce game of chess, a match that has been anticipated for months. After a lengthy offseason and several games under both teams’ belts, the LSU Tigers will take on Ole Miss in what is shaping up to be a much-anticipated clash.

Young people use the term ‘pure cinema’ to describe moments in games that feel like they belong in a film. As LSU arrives on Saturday afternoon, the stage appears set for an exhilarating atmosphere, one of the wildest we’ll see in college football this season.

But, who exactly is under pressure?

Is it Ole Miss, boasting a notably talented team, worried about an unwanted visitor coming back to snatch a victory?

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Or is it Kiffin, on his triumphant return to Oxford, tasked with leading his new squad against the team he left behind?

Kiffin told his players this week, “You don’t have to worry about the spotlight on you. I’m the one who’ll face all the scrutiny and tension.” He pointed out that Ole Miss has the upper hand, having won thirteen games last year compared to LSU’s seven, along with two Heisman candidates in their lineup. “You guys simply get to play, the pressure’s on them,” he noted.

No, the pressure is on both teams, with Kiffin and Golding at the forefront

Let’s be straight: both teams are facing significant pressure as the game approaches.

For Ole Miss, this is about not letting the coach who left them come back and celebrate a victory in front of them. Meanwhile, Kiffin is strategic about the buildup; he recognizes that he’s not just coaching but also drawing in fans — something he managed to do quite well when he made the jump from Oxford to Baton Rouge last season.

As the game nears, he’s likely to downplay the stakes until Friday afternoon rolls around and LSU makes its way to Mississippi.

Kiffin reflected on the oddity of building two separate teams, stating, “I’m aware many will focus on me, but this week is about the players and how prepared they are.” He added, “Pete isn’t going to make tackles; I’m not scoring touchdowns…”

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While a lot of the attention will certainly lean towards Kiffin—and let’s be honest, he does invite some of it—he’s aware of the reality awaiting his team as they arrive on the field.

For Golding, navigating these situations is becoming the new norm in college football, although Saturday’s meeting will certainly be charged with extra significance.

“Having former players and coaches in the mix isn’t new, but it feels different this time,” Golding observed. “When we face teams with past connections, like Missouri, it’s just as intense.”

Yes, both coaches are still friends, even if one might be a tad annoying

Why wouldn’t they get along?

Sure, the departure from Ole Miss turned a bit contentious when Kiffin left for LSU, but that doesn’t mean the communication ceased. Interestingly, Golding stepped in as head coach after Kiffin’s exit.

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From a personal standpoint, both coaches are finding their footing in this environment.

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The Ole Miss coach summarized the distractions his players could encounter this week succinctly. It’s akin to a high school homecoming — if you’re caught up in the chatter, that dance won’t be much fun after a tough loss on Friday night, he cautioned.

Despite everything, come Saturday night, both coaches will be in combat mode, eager to best each other. Beneath it all, both Kiffin and Golding understand the stakes of this showdown in Oxford.

We’ll see who manages to claim ‘checkmate’ first.