Florida is no ordinary trap game for No. 6 Ole Miss on Saturday.
The 9-1 Rebels are set to host the 3-6 Florida Gators as they continue their battle for a spot in the SEC Championship and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff (CFP). This SEC showdown in November carries extra intrigue due to recent coaching rumors.
Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin has been linked to the Florida job in recent weeks after the Gators fired Billy Napier. Kiffin has not dismissed the possibility of leaving Ole Miss, notably choosing not to sign a contract extension with the program. He has addressed these uncertainties directly with his players during a team meeting.
On Monday, Kiffin shared his thoughts on what makes a college football coaching job attractive. His comments left the door open for the possibility that Gainesville could hold a more appealing opportunity than what he currently has in Jackson.
Kiffin emphasized the importance of roster-building budgets over facilities and highlighted the role of passionate Saturday crowds in recruiting. “Kids are still recruited,” Kiffin said. “They see sizes of stadiums and traditions and Heisman trophies and national championships and location to talent. All those are in there.”
According to Sam Hutchens of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, several Ole Miss players spoke about how they are preparing to face Florida amid the swirling coaching rumors.
“We’re just ignoring it,” said junior wide receiver Cayden Lee. “We’re not listening to any outside noise. We’re just focused on what we have in the building.”
Senior offensive lineman Diego Pounds stressed the team’s focus on winning each game as they pursue their first-ever CFP appearance. “Just keep the main thing the main thing,” Pounds said. “That’s just going 1-0 every week.”
While the players’ mindset heading into the Florida matchup is encouraging, the coaching situation is expected to come to a head eventually. The Rebels’ roster may face tough decisions about their futures at Ole Miss and possible moves through the transfer portal.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/lane-kiffin-florida-ole-miss-players-college-football-11030966