Oxford: A Closer Look at the Ole Miss Rebels’ Offensive Strategy
This season, Oxford’s Ole Miss Rebels have had their backs against the wall when it comes to their offensive performance in conference play. Fans are used to seeing a high-flying offense, but this year, it appears things have taken a different turn. Head coach Lane Kiffin offered some insight into why the Rebels’ offensive play could look a bit different compared to previous seasons.
A Shift in Strategy
During a press conference on Monday, Kiffin pointed out that there are clear areas where the Rebels must improve offensively. However, he also noted that sometimes, the team has deliberately chosen to tone it down late in games, especially in their wins against South Carolina and Oklahoma. “This is now two games where we play a little different in the fourth quarter than what people are used to seeing,” Kiffin said.
When asked why the change was made, Kiffin explained that it was about winning the game, not about trying to impress anyone. “We do want to take some time and be safer in our play calls because we want to win the game,” he added. That might come as a surprise to many who expect a certain type of offensive performance from the Rebels, but for Kiffin, it makes perfect sense.
Assessing the Offensive Struggles
Some of the Rebels’ offensive hiccups have little to do with this late-game strategy. Kiffin mentioned that run blocking has been an ongoing issue for the team, which certainly impacts their overall performance. However, the coach sees a silver lining in their defensive capabilities, which have become a major strength for the Rebels this season.
“With so much new depth up front along the line, why not play into that advantage?” Kiffin pondered. Indeed, the Rebels’ defense has been stifling their competition and giving the offense opportunities to manage games differently. Kiffin stressed, “We’re not trying to cover the spread. I know it wasn’t necessarily exciting the way we played in the fourth quarter on offense, but some of that comes with it when your defense is playing that well.”
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the Rebels find themselves with challenges on the horizon. Kiffin knows there are improvements to be made, especially as they prepare for tough road games against Arkansas this weekend and when the formidable Georgia Bulldogs come to town next week. It’s clear that both Kiffin and the players are aware that they need to find that balance between utilizing their strong defense and reviving their offensive rush.
Kickoff for the upcoming game against the Razorbacks is set for 11 a.m. CT on Saturday and fans can catch all the action on ESPN. This will be a crucial game for the Rebels, who are eager to showcase their abilities on the field and prove that they can adapt to different game situations while executing their plays effectively.
Final Thoughts
The current season may not be what everyone expected, but Coach Kiffin’s philosophy of prioritizing wins over points could serve the Rebels well in the long run. With a strong defense backing them up, it’s up to the offense to iron out the kinks and find their rhythm as they tackle the rest of the season. Fans are sure to keep their fingers crossed as the Rebels look to reclaim their status this weekend in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.
