Florida is no ordinary trap game for No. 6 Ole Miss on Saturday.
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The 9-1 Rebels are getting set to host the 3-6 Gators as they continue to fight for a chance to make the SEC championship and a bye in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Added to the impressive intrigue of an SEC game in November, Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin has been tied to Florida in recent weeks after UF fired Billy Napier.
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Kiffin hasn’t shut down the idea that he’d leave Ole Miss, choosing not to sign a contract extension with the program. He’s addressed the situation with his players in a team meeting.
On Monday, Kiffin was willing to opine on what makes a college football coaching job attractive, and his statements left open the possibility that what lies in Gainesville could be better than what he has in Jackson. Kiffin thinks the budget for building a roster is more important than facilities and wants to see enthusiastic crowds on Saturdays to help with recruiting.
“Kids are still recruited,” Kiffin said. “They see sizes of stadiums and traditions and Heismans and national championships and location to talent. All those are in there.”
Per Sam Hutchens of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, several players addressed how they’re getting ready to play against Florida, knowing that their head coach is believed to be flirting with the opponent.
“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 is concerned with going 1-0 against Florida as the team chases its first CFP appearance.
“Just keep the main thing the main thing,” Pounds said. “That’s just going 1-0 every week.”
Those players have the right attitude before playing Florida. But eventually, the situation with Kiffin will come to a head.
Players will have to decide on their futures with Ole Miss and the transfer portal.
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