10.19.23 Football Articles

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al.com

Lane Kiffin reposts column that states he should be fired if he loses to Auburn

Published: Oct. 18, 2023, 9:52 a.m.

2–3 minutes

Mississippi head coach Lane Kiffin gestures during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Mississippi won 27-20. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)AP

Lane Kiffin has always been savvy when it comes to social media content.

On Wednesday, the Ole Miss coach reposted on “X,” the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, a piece written by AL.com’s Joe Goodman. The column, “Fire Lane Kiffin if he loses to Auburn,” certainly doesn’t appear to be the message a sitting coach in the SEC would want to disseminate just days before a conference game.

Yet, here we are, three days before the Rebels travel to Jordan-Hare Stadium to take on the struggling Auburn Tigers, and Kiffin reposted the not-so-positive piece.

What is Kiffin thinking?

No one knows for sure except the Ole Miss coach, but Kiffin knows how to get social media to work for him. The latest example appears to prove that point. The column is more about Auburn’s ineptitude right now more than anything, and the point is it should scare any head coach to even imagine losing to a team that is struggling as much as Auburn is right now.

Kiffin’s posting of the column has sparked several comments from his followers. And you know what? That reaction has all been positive toward Kiffin. In this day and age of talking heads and hot takes - not that this piece is necessarily either - Kiffin has shown to use it to his advantage. Take that negative news and share it with your supporters. You will find they will circle the wagons.

Unless, of course, he loses to Auburn.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

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247sports.com

Freeze says competition back open for right tackle spot

Jason Caldwell

4–5 minutes

Auburn football takes on the Ole Miss Rebels this Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

AUBURN, Alabama—With guys like Kam Stutts and Izavion Miller dealing with nagging ankle injuries the last two weeks and starting guard Gunner Britton also slowed as part of an offensive line that has faced Texas A&M, Georgia and LSU in three straight games, Auburn comes into Saturday’s game against the No. 12 Ole Miss Rebels with a group up front that could have some new faces by the time they kick off on Saturday night at 6 p.m. on ESPN.

“It’s not great,” coach Hugh Freeze said about the health of the offensive line. “We’ve got two that we’ve kind of had to sit out this week in practice in hopes they could play, which is never a good thing. They are out there, but they really can’t get good work in good-on-good settings. We’re trying to make sure they’re as healthy as they can be come Saturday. That’s hard for everybody. I’m sure everybody has some of that going on. We’re thin at a lot of places and it is affecting the way we practice and it shows up some on Saturday, unfortunately. I’m not sure what the answer is.”

The answer for Auburn may be Tulsa transfer Jaden Muskrat. Coming in late against LSU and playing well at right tackle, Muskrat showed the ability to go out and compete and give the offensive line a boost. He played well enough that he’s earned the right to get a shot to be the full-time starter, Freeze said.

“I thought he played really well and finished the game well,” he said. “I will say, they had some backups in towards the end of the game and sometimes that makes a difference. I thought he played really well and moved very well. This week we’re kind of having an open competition for he and Too Tall (Miller). Now, we’ll need both of them in this game. They’ll both see time.”

Getting more reps this week along with Jeremiah Wright, who has starting experience, Muskrat’s biggest benefit may be his versatility. Capable of playing guard or tackle, he’s repping in both spots this week. Freeze said that’s not ideal, but that’s the situation they find themselves in at the moment.

“He’s getting reps, probably too many at practice right now at different spots,” Freeze said.

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auburnwire.usatoday.com

Five things to know about Ole Miss ahead of their game against Auburn

JD McCarthy

4–5 minutes

Auburn is set to return to Jordan-Hare Stadium this weekend to take on a familiar foe in SEC West rival Ole Miss.

These two programs have several connections and this will be their first time facing off since Auburn tried to hire Lane Kiffin this offseason before ultimately hiring Hugh Freeze, who coached the Rebels from 2012-16.

Auburn is looking to snap a three-game losing streak and avenge last year’s 48-34 loss in Oxford. If the Rebels can pull off the victory it will be the first time they’ve beaten Auburn in back-to-back games since they won three in a row from 1949 to 1952.

Here are five things to know about Ole Miss before Saturday’s game.

(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

In addition to the coaching connections, several players have played on both sides of this rivalry. Auburn middle linebacker Austin Keys started his career at Ole Miss before transferring to Auburn this offseason.

Ole Miss starting defensive tackle JJ Pegues and reserve nickel cornerback Ladarius Tennison both spent two seasons on the Plains before entering the transfer portal and heading to Ole Miss.

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn’s defense was unable to stop LSU last week and the challenge won’t be any easier this week against Ole Miss.

They are averaging 41.7 points per game and their balance is a major reason why. They are averaging 183.3 yards on the ground and 306 yards through the air and Auburn’s entire defense will be put to the test to try and slow them down.

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

A major reason for their offensive success has been their ability to protect the ball, they have turned it over just three times this season and have a +6 turnover margin on the season. Making their ball security more impressive is the fact that they are still extremely explosive with 36 passing plays of 20 or more yards, the fifth most in the country.

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Kiffin has always had impressive offenses but their defense has cost them at times. With the addition of defensive coordinator Pete Golding, the group has taken a step forward, especially against the run.

They are allowing just 3.17 yards per carry on the season, their best performance of the season came against Alabama when they held them to 2.91 yards per rush in a close loss.

Auburn’s offense has had little success through the air and it will be important to have success on the ground if they want to upset the Rebels.

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

QB Jaxson Dart

Kiffin brought in several quarterbacks to compete for the starting job but Dart was able to hold onto his job and has taken a step forward. He’s completed 64.1% of his passes for 1,638 yards and 12 touchdowns in six games.

RB Quinshon Judkins

He burst onto the scene as a freshman last season and he’s had a strong season so far, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

WR Jordan Watkins

Watkins has become their go-to receiver, leading a talented group in receptions (36) and yards (536).

WR Tre Harris

Harris is their big-play threat, averaging 21.59 yards per reception, and has caught six touchdowns already.

LB Suntarine Perkins

The former five-star has made an immediate impact, leading them in sacks with 3.5 and is someone Auburn will have to keep an eye on.

S Daijahn Anthony

He is always around the ball with one interception and five pass breakups. If Auburn falls behind and is forced to throw the ball, they will need to be careful when targeting Anthony.

Follow all your favorite Alabama teams at Auburn Wire and Roll Tide Wire!

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sportingnews.com

 

Ole Miss vs. Auburn odds, props, predictions: Rebels offense rolling into SEC West clash

Sporting News Betting

6–8 minutes

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The Ole Miss Rebels are hot, and the Auburn Tigers are not. After losing to Alabama in Week 4, Ole Miss has played determined football, fighting to stay in the hunt in the SEC West.

In contrast, while not yet mathematically eliminated in the SEC West, the Auburn Tigers have already lost three division games, essentially eliminating them from contention for a spot in the SEC Conference championship game. 

These two squads will face off at 7 p.m. EST on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Fans and sports bettors alike can watch this division rivalry game on ESPN. Here we'll take a look at Mississippi vs. Auburn odds, props and predictions ahead of the matchup.

Give credit to Hugh Freeze, who took over a precarious situation in Auburn, Alabama. Even in the era of instant eligibility, the transfer portal and NIL, no realistic Tigers fan expected a one-year turnaround. Freeze coached Auburn to a 3-0 start, including a win over a Pac-12 opponent in California. Yet it is evident that Freeze needs more time to fill the roster with SEC talent and, most importantly, solidify his quarterback position by 2024.

Ole Miss has looked really good all season, with the only hiccup being a loss at Alabama. The Rebels have a tough remaining schedule but have everything in front of them with only one loss. Qualifying for the College Football Playoff is very much possible if the Rebels can win out.

This game will be a big one for Lane Kiffin and crew as they need to avoid the type of trap game that has plagued Kiffin's tenure in the past. Two seasons ago, a loss to an Auburn team that finished the season 6-7 gave the Rebels a second loss and took away any hope of making the CFP. 

Odds for Ole Miss vs. Auburn

As news about injuries, weather and depth chart information comes out throughout the week, lines and odds will change. To ensure you know where to get the best value, here are the latest live odds from the best online sportsbooks in the country.

Ole Miss Rebels betting news

If you have not watched much Ole Miss football this season, here is what you need to know: The Rebels are not getting much national pub, but they may be a sneaky contender for the SEC Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

A huge reason for that has been the play of junior quarterback Jaxson Dart. The Rebels are halfway through their 12-game schedule, and Dart has been very much improved from this time last year. Coming into the season, many Ole Miss fans wondered if Dart would keep his QB1 spot.

The Rebels brought in transfer Spencer Sanders, a fifth-year senior who was a four-year starter at Oklahoma State. Well, you know what they say, "Pressure makes diamonds." Dart is averaging 42 more yards per game, passing for a similar volume and already has four rushing touchdowns versus only one last year. 

Perhaps the most significant stat showing Dart's year-to-year improvement is his touchdown to interception ratio, which was 1.81 in 2022 and currently is 6.0 this season. Dart has thrown six passing touchdowns for every interception he has thrown this season — he is taking care of the football and has been much more efficient at helping his offense get into the end zone.

Auburn Tigers betting news

The wheels have completely fallen off for the Tigers, and getting to six wins and qualifying for a bowl game is going to be a tough task. There is hope, though, for Hugh Freeze in Year 1 of revamping his program. Just three weeks ago, the Tigers took Georgia down to the wire, with the reigning national champions scoring with less than three minutes left in the fourth quarter to take a 27-20 lead.

Auburn quarterback Peyton Thorne threw an interception on the ensuing drive to give the Bulldogs the ball back, ending the game. The Auburn rushing attack was strong, putting up 219 yards including a game-high 92 from Thorne.

The issue for the Auburn offense is the complete and utter lack of a passing attack. Thorne's only two games with a moderate passing total were against non-Power Five opponent Massachusetts (141 passing yards) and FCS opponent Samford (282 passing yards).

Freeze is known for his prolific passing offenses from his days as the Ole Miss coach and his time at Liberty, where he even had a quarterback drafted from his non-Power Five school in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft (Malik Willis). It appears Auburn just may not have that type of talent on the roster at the quarterback spot. Thorne, a Michigan State transfer, had one prolific passing season in East Lansing in 2021 but has never looked anywhere close to level since.

Ole Miss Rebels vs. Auburn Tigers prediction: Auburn can't keep up with high scoring Rebels

Hugh Freeze coached at Ole Miss from 2012-2016 and was the best coach the program had had since the mid-1900s. He was fired in a scandal, and some thought there was too much bad publicity for him ever to get back into a Power Five coaching job. 

Does he have a few tricks up his sleeve in what could be a bit of a revenge game against his old school? His Tigers almost upset Georgia just a few weeks ago. Could they muster some of that magic again? It is doubtful that even if the Tigers find a way to get some offensive production, that they can slow down this Ole Miss Rebel offense.

Auburn gave up 48 points to LSU last week, a team that Ole Miss has already beaten earlier this season in an offensive shootout. Expect Jaxson Dart to have a big game and this Ole Miss offense to put up 35-plus points. Auburn has not scored more than 20 against a Power Five opponent this season; simply put, they won't be able to score enough to keep this one close. 

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saturdaydownsouth.com

Hugh Freeze addresses difficulty coaching at Auburn compared to other jobs

Andrew Peters | 14 hours ago

~3 minutes

Hugh Freeze has plenty of experience under his belt, including SEC experience.

But coaching at Auburn has brought on a new set of challenges. Freeze addressed some of those challenges Wednesday, pointing to fans having high expectations and trying to get a young team ready to play in a tough, experienced conference.

“This one is certainly very challenging,” Freeze said during the SEC coaches teleconference Wednesday. “The one at Ole Miss was similar, expectations may have not been as high as they are here, which adds a little pressure to you sometimes. But I mean we’ve got a team that 11 of the 22 starters at LSU had never started an SEC game prior to this season, and only 5 of the 22 have made an SEC start in 3 seasons. So it’s the growing pains and can we coach better? Yes. Hopefully we can play better. We’ve seen signs of it, but we’re very, I think we’re a young team and one that has very little experience playing in this league and it really shows up on the road, it seems, so far to this point. So thankful that we seem to be a little more comfortable at home and we’ll need Jordan-Hare to be at its best the next few weeks.”

Auburn has had a shaky year, but has shown flashes of greatness. The Tigers took Georgia down to the wire just a few weeks ago. Once Freeze and his staff have a complete roster, Auburn should be able to make noise in the SEC.

After losing to LSU last week, Auburn has another tough one this weekend as it takes on Ole Miss.

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Q&A with Auburn beat writer Matt Cohen

By MICHAEL KATZ Daily Journal

16 hrs ago

Mississippi's quarterback Jaxson Dart (2), left, prepares to hand off the ball to Mississippi's running back Quinshon Judkins (4) in the Texas Bowl game against Texas Tech, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at NRG Stadium in Houston. Syndication Lubbock Avalanche Journal

Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

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The Daily Journal caught up with Auburn beat writer Matt Cohen of AL.com to see what he considers the keys to the Ole Miss-Auburn matchup.

What has been the general level of excitement around the program under Hugh Freeze so far? Are they on-schedule from where they were expected preseason?

To start the year, excitement could not have been higher. Hugh Freeze had a significant honeymoon period with hope that the reshaped roster and energy around the program would bring success. Fans want that success to come quickly of course, and that hasn't happened. Although expectations from the program were never that this would be a year to compete, Freeze has been very public and honest when talked about his vision for Auburn to recruit well-enough in order to compete by his third or fourth year. Auburn does have a strong 2024 recruiting class to this point and continues to push for top talent. Freeze took over an Auburn roster that had been worn dry by poor recruiting from previous head coach Bryan Harsin and his staff. It is a problem that is going to take years to build back from. Fans, to this point, have seemed to express patience. Even as things are a struggle this year, there isn't a call to put Freeze on the hot seat.

How big a game does this feel for Freeze, not just for this season but because of his history with Ole Miss?

Freeze has held himself back a few times from saying what he probably really feels about Ole Miss. Outwardly, he has said the typical platitudes about his respect for an opponent and especially Ole Miss' offense. But his own history is certainly a big part of this game for Freeze. He played Ole Miss once with Liberty and didn't even compete — albeit to be expected — and this is his first chance to have a shot at beating the program he left in scandal. It certainly matters personally to him, but it doesn't appear its taking over the week.

What has been the biggest issue with the passing game and offense as a whole this season? Can this team win a shootout?

No. Auburn cannot and will not win a shootout. It can't. The talent on this offense isn't good enough. It is a fundamentally flawed passing game trying to force a square into the circle hole. The problem is a very limited quarterback with an inconsistent offensive line and ineffective pass catchers. There has appeared to be some playcalling dysfunction between Freeze and offensive coordinator in terms of who is calling plays. Neither have been particularly good. Auburn's offense has been much better at home, but it doesn't have an understanding of the Freeze offense yet as it continues to make the same mistakes and the coaching staff hasn't been able to fix it. Players and coaches alike haven't been good enough.

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What is the strength of the Auburn defense?

First, Auburn's secondary can be great if healthy. It isn't healthy. Auburn needs safety Jaylin Simpson, who is third in the nation in interceptions, to get back to full health. He's been playing at less than 100%. Auburn may get back starting nickel corner Keionte Scott this week who is a key leader on the defense. That would be huge. But Auburn's best strength so far has been its SEC-best redzone defense. Auburn may bend, but it prides itself on not breaking. Even after allowing more than 500 yards against LSU, it wasn't really until around the end of the third quarter in that game that LSU turned it into a thorough, total blowout. Being able to force teams into field goals instead of touchdowns will be a big stat for an offense that can't move the ball.

What do you expect the reception for Lane Kiffin to be given everything that happened last fall with his courtship by John Cohen?

I think Kiffin will get booed like any other coach, but I think while Freeze still has his dwindling honeymoon, it won't be anything toxic. I get the impression while there was a sense of disappointment Kiffin didn't end up being the guy, I don't sense anything particularly angry or hateful from fans toward him. Certainly, that could change, but I don't think Kiffin compares yet on the Auburn fans' most-hated list to the coaches of Auburn's two biggest rivals: Nick Saban and Kirby Smart.

If Auburn is going to win, _____ has to happen.

If Auburn is going to win, the offense has to help. Auburn's defense looks exhausted. It's done so much work carrying Auburn throughout this season and it just can't keep doing the job alone. If the defense gets back some key players from long-term injuries — cornerback Keionte Scott and linebacker Austin Keys, a transfer from Ole Miss — it could lend a huge hand to a thin group. But the offense has to do SOMETHING. Auburn's defense may hope to slow Ole Miss but it isn't going to stop Ole Miss' offense. Auburn can't win in a shootout, but the offense has to give some run support. A great pitcher may have a quality start to only give up two runs, but still have a bad record because they lost every game 2-0. That's Auburn right now.

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collegefootballnews.com

Ole Miss vs Auburn Prediction Game Preview

Pete Fiutak

3–4 minutes

Ole Miss vs Auburn prediction, game preview, how to watch, lines. Saturday, October 21

Oct 7, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels cheerleaders prepare to lead the team onto the field prior to the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss vs Auburn How To Watch

Date: Saturday, October 21
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL
How To Watch: ESPN
2023 Record: Ole Miss (5-1), Auburn (3-3)
Pete Fiutak on X | CFN on X
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Ole Miss vs Auburn Game Preview

Why Ole Miss Will Win

The offense might overwhelm the Tigers.

The Rebel attack chilled out against Arkansas two weeks ago, but it ripped through LSU, rolled Georgia Tech, and now it’s rested after getting time off. It might not be the most consistent O, but it can do a variety of things well.

The combination of offensive versatility, and a killer pass rush that bandages over a slew of defensive issues, should be enough against an Auburn offense that’s fine, but doesn’t move the chains.

The Tiger offensive front has pass protection issues, but …

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- Projected Win Totals All 133 Teams

Why Auburn Will Win

Auburn needs to find the passing game production, and that’s what the Ole Miss defense is for.

The pop hasn’t been there - the Auburn passing game is barely averaging 50% over the last three games - with just one touchdown and close to 300 total yards over the stretch. However, even with the great pass rush, the Ole Miss pass defense has allowed 225 yards or more against all five FBS teams on the slate - it’s 110th in the nation in pass D.

The Auburn defense has been able to stay in games with takeaways, the pass defense was fine before dealing with Georgia and LSU, and …

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Ole Miss vs Auburn Who Will Win

Home field has to matter.

Auburn doesn’t have enough offense to keep up if the Rebels get rolling, and yes, two of the home games were against Mercer and UMass, but it also gave Georgia a tough run in Jordan-Hare.

Ole Miss will win - the defense will hold up fine - but it’ll be a fight for three quarters. Auburn’s offense won’t be able to capitalize on opportunities late.

- Week 8 Schedule, Previews, Predictions

Ole Miss vs Auburn Prediction, Line

Ole Miss 30, Auburn 20
Line: Ole Miss -6.5, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3
 

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[SaltyTiger 8,579]

Thanks again Fiddy. Lots of family coming in here for the game starting this afternoon.  Some being the OM type but this one always a fun weekend.