Retribution: Ole Miss downs LSU, spoils Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford
By Ethan Stone
Published:
The Ole Miss Rebels are standing a little taller tonight.
The most anticipated SEC matchup of the year definitely lived up to the hype. Ole Miss spoiled Lane Kiffin‘s return to Oxford, beating No. 7 LSU 32-24 behind a masterful performance from Trinidad Chambliss.
Chambliss once again proved he’s the best quarterback in college football, throwing for 363 yards with 2 touchdowns while adding 1 rushing touchdown for good measure. He completed 33 of his 48 passing attempts on the evening.
Chambliss was a man on a mission, but we can’t go too far without mentioning a fantastic coaching job by Rebels head coach Pete Golding. The Rebels DC-turned-HC worked Kiffin and the Tigers in the early-going, leading Ole Miss to a 24-7 lead by halftime.
Late in the game, after Chambliss led a go-ahead touchdown drive, Golding made the decision to go for 2 after drawing the Tigers offside not once, but twice. It’s a choice that would have drawn heavy criticism if it didn’t work out — but it did, and it ended up winning the Rebels the game.
Sam Leavitt was up and down the entire night, and the Rebels defense held firm when it mattered. Facing 4th and goal from about the 6-yard line, Kam Franklin tipped a Leavitt pass that ended up in the hands of Jaylon Braxton for the game-sealing interception.
Ole Miss has 2 impressive wins already this season. The Rebels now boast wins over Louisville and LSU heading into a key road contest against undefeated Florida at The Swamp this upcoming Saturday.
Ethan Stone is a Saturday Down South News Editor and an advocate for the return of the Seattle Supersonics.
