After Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin’s team convincingly defeated Georgia 28-10 in Week 11, Paul Finebaum praised him extensively. However, Finebaum also downplayed the significance of Ole Miss within the broader landscape of college football.
Finebaum pointed out that such achievements are typical for other programs but unusual for Oxford, Mississippi. He likened Kiffin’s accomplishment to a golfer who has numerous close finishes without a major victory. “This was like putting the green jacket on Lane Kiffin,” Finebaum stated, acknowledging that while this win wasn’t the ultimate prize he sought — defeating Nick Saban — it was still a significant achievement. He emphasized that Kiffin has stepped up to the elite coaching ranks, stating, “I think the world is Lane Kiffin’s right now.”
Finebaum remarked on the importance of this victory for both Kiffin and the Ole Miss program, noting that such moments are rare for the Rebels, occurring only once every decade or so. He suggested that Kiffin might have positioned the team for more successes in the future.
According to Blake Toppmeyer of USA Today, the perception that Kiffin fails in crucial games is outdated. He highlighted Kiffin’s previous struggles against Saban and noted that this win changes the narrative, as Kiffin now has victories over notable coaches like Kirby Smart and Brian Kelly.
If Kiffin continues to secure major wins, there’s no reason for him to leave Ole Miss, as he has established a competitive and sustainable program. Perhaps Kiffin can turn such victories into a regular occurrence, leading to a shift in Finebaum’s perception of Ole Miss.
