Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss are currently leading 22-10 against the Oklahoma Sooners in a highly ranked SEC matchup. The Rebels are coming off their first loss of the season against Georgia. Another loss this weekend could have a huge effect on their playoff odds.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma improved to 6-1 overall with a big road victory at South Carolina. With just four spots separating the two teams in the AP Top 25 rankings, the Sooners will have the chance to potentially jump Ole Miss in Week 9, with both teams at 6-1.
Lane Kiffin’s Self-Criticism Echoed by Fans as Ole Miss Call Backfires
Currently, the Rebels look to be cruising to victory over Oklahoma. However, during the 2nd quarter, Kiffin made a questionable decision that had fans up in arms. During a play while up 12-10, the Ole Miss head coach left backup quarterback Austin Simmons in the game.
Ole Miss drives down the field, but then Lane Kiffin switches to a two QB system.
Austin Simmons, who hasn’t played all game, comes in and throws two incomplete passes.
Ole Miss ends up settling for a field goal.
I understand why Lane did that smh pic.twitter.com/NkTo2rEoFi
— Grant Speaks (@GrantSpeaks1) October 25, 2025
“Ole Miss drives down the field, but then Lane Kiffin switches to a two QB system. Austin Simmons, who hasn’t played all game, comes in and throws two incomplete passes. Ends up settling for a field goal. I understand why Lane did that smh.” One fan questioned the decision.
After being replaced by Trinidad Chambliss following an injury, Simmons has thrown for just 580 yards, 4 TDs, and 4 interceptions this season. However, Kiffin still decided to trust the former starting quarterback, a decision that backfired.
Lane Kiffin: “Stupid, my bad”
Assuredly talking to assistants about decision to keep Austin Simmons in…
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) October 25, 2025
“Lane Kiffin: “Stupid, my bad.” Assuredly talking to assistants about the decision to keep Austin Simmons in…” One reporter revealed Kiffin’s reaction to the situation. The fans also piled on to back the head coach’s opinion, questioning the ridiculousness of the play.
That was completely dumb of Lane Kiffin he takes out a hot quarterback who takes you down the field inside the 5 yard line and replaces him with a cold quarterback and he misses on 3 straight incompletions and a sure touchdown by overthrowing and they settled for a field goal
— Eastman Lewis (@EastmanLewis1) October 25, 2025
That was completely dumb of Lane Kiffin he takes out a hot quarterback who takes you down the field inside the 5 yard line and replaces him with a cold quarterback and he misses on 3 straight incompletions and a sure touchdown by overthrowing and they settled for a field goal.” One fan ranted after the play.
Why did Lane Kiffin put Austin Simmons in there?
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) October 25, 2025
“Why did Lane Kiffin put Austin Simmons in there?” ON3 Sports’ Ari Wasserman questioned.
No clue. Absolutely terrible move by Lane. I know Trinidad can’t really throw, but clearly neither can Simmons. Dude missed a WIDE open 7-yard TD throw by a fucking mile 🤦♂️
— Jake (@Burke_bvb) October 25, 2025
“No clue. Absolutely terrible move by Lane. I know Trinidad can’t really throw, but clearly neither can Simmons. Dude missed a WIDE open 7-yard TD throw by a fucking mile.” One Texas Longhorns fan suggested.
Cause Lane thinks he’s smarter than everyone else
— Panthers Hydration Coordinator (@BiscoPete) October 25, 2025
“Cause Lane thinks he’s smarter than everyone else,” Another fan suggested, trying to pin the blame on the head coach instead of the quarterback.
College coaches are literally so fucking stupid. Ole miss QB cooking and lane kiffin proceeds to bring in the backup qb in on 2nd and goal for literally no reason at all and he misses a wide open wr in the end zone😂 literally whyyyy
— Kanye ML (@itwasfreemoney) October 25, 2025
“College coaches are literally so fucking stupid. Ole miss QB cooking and lane kiffin proceeds to bring in the backup qb in on 2nd and goal for literally no reason at all and he misses a wide open wr in the end zone literally whyyyy.” Another fan ranted.
Before the play, Chambliss did, in fact, drive Ole Miss down the field. After completing a 21 pass, he then rushed for 15 yards to set the Rebels up at the Oklahoma 5 line. But after an incomplete pass, Kiffin put Simmons in.
This season, Simmons has completed 36 passes out of 56 attempts. Meanwhile, the current starter, Chambliss, has thrown for 104 completions out of 166 attempts. The starting quarterback also has 160 yards and a 57.1% completion rate today.
Despite the apparent terrible playcall, the Rebels are still cruising to an easy victory at the moment. Following the field goal, Chambliss threw a 31-yard completion to set them up at the 10-yard line. Running Back Kewan Lacy ran it in twice for a TD.
While the Rebels will set themselves up again for a high chance at the playoffs, this will significantly damage the Sooners’ chances of making the playoffs. Going into today’s game, they had a 34.28% chance of reaching the playoffs according to PFSN’s playoff meter.
