Lane Kiffin reflects on last year’s Arkansas ending, says he’ll ‘be prepared’ for Saturday’s frosty forecast
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Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss suffered a heartbreaking 30-24 loss to Alabama on Saturday.
The Rebels played well enough to win but came up short, and the loss ended any hopes they had at an SEC West title and College Football Playoff berth.
Ole Miss will look to bounce back this Saturday with another tough test, as it heads to Fayetteville to take on an Arkansas team that is in desperate need of a victory.
The Rebels and Razorbacks played a thriller a year ago, with Ole Miss winning 52-51 after Arkansas failed on a 2-point conversion try on the last play of the game.
On Wednesday, Kiffin was asked during the SEC coaches teleconference about that play and decision.
“Good question,” he said. “I probably wouldn’t have (gone for 2). We were at home. I probably would have kept playing. That doesn’t mean I was right. You do go for 2 in a high-scoring game like that so you have the last shot.”
Kiffin was also asked Wednesday about Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson, who has returned to practice this week after sitting out Saturday’s loss to LSU with a shoulder injury.
“He’s obviously a problem because he’s so physical when he runs the ball,” said Kiffin of Jefferson. “Can make you miss and run you over. We had a major issue with him.”
Kiffin was also asked about the cold temperatures that are being forecasted for Fayetteville on Saturday.
“If it comes to rain or wind, that affects different things in the play-calling and stuff,” Kiffin said. “But when it’s just cold, that affects both teams, so it doesn’t impact game-planning.”
Kiffin did, however, say that he’ll be ready for the cold.
“I’ve been in contact with RealTree,” he said. “They’re sending me heated hunting gear for underneath. I’ll be prepared.”
Also Wednesday, Kiffin took time to credit quarterback Jaxson Dart for his improved play as the season has progressed.
“He’s done a good job protecting the ball and running the offense,” Kiffin said, “He’s really cut down turnovers from the beginning of the season.”
Ole Miss and Arkansas will square off at 7:30 p.m. (ET) Saturday on the SEC Network.
"Chris Wallace covers college football for Saturday Down South. He has covered college athletics for multiple newspapers and also worked previously for Rivals.com and GolfChannel.com."
