Ole Miss has had a mixed start to the 2023 football season under head coach Lane Kiffin. With non-conference games providing moments of both triumph and tension, the question remains: has this schedule truly prepared the Rebels for the rigors of SEC play?
Kiffin has been candid about his team’s early performances, acknowledging the challenges ahead in the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference. Ole Miss has faced a variety of opponents so far, including Tulane, Georgia Tech, and a tough loss to Alabama, giving them a wide range of experiences. These games tested the team’s resilience and versatility, which Kiffin believes is crucial for the upcoming SEC matchups.
In discussing the schedule’s impact, Kiffin pointed to the value of playing quality non-conference teams. For example, Tulane, a strong Group of Five team, pushed the Rebels, helping expose some early-season weaknesses. According to Kiffin, the lessons from these games have helped the team make critical adjustments ahead of the SEC slate.
However, he also noted that the non-conference slate can only do so much to replicate the intensity of SEC football. The physicality, depth, and speed of teams like LSU, Alabama, and Georgia are on a different level. Kiffin has emphasized to his players that while they may have learned from their early games, the real tests are yet to come.
As Ole Miss heads deeper into SEC competition, Kiffin will lean on his team’s growth, leadership, and adaptability. The upcoming matchups will reveal whether their early-season preparation was enough to make a serious run in the SEC. Whether they can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but Kiffin’s confidence in his squad suggests they’ll be ready for the challenge.