Lane Kiffin praises transfers in Rebels’ 59-3 win over Central Arkansas
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin repped a “Transfer to the Sip” hoodie at his press conference Monday after practice. And one can understand why, as the transfer portal was a big win during the offseason for the Rebels, with many of those players contributing in the 59-3 win over Central Arkansas on Saturday.
“If you think about it, outside of Luke’s [Altmyer] short run, every run, every touchdown pass, every touchdown reception, every return for a touchdown, and every kick was made by a portal player from this offseason. That’s a lot of guys doing right for 59 points. Good place to transfer to.”
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin
Quarterback Jaxson Dart (USC transfer) continues to be a prominent scorer for the Rebels. Highly-touted running back Zach Evans (TCU transfer) scored his first rushing touchdown of the year. Receiver Michael Trigg (USC transfer) caught his first three touchdowns as a Rebel on Saturday, while running back Ulysses Bentley IV (SMU transfer) and receiver Malik Heath (Mississippi State transfer) both added touchdowns.
While the offensive transfers found a better flow from week one, the special teams unit looked to do the same. Kiffin was quite pleased with their improvement.
“Our guys accepted the challenge and played lights out on special teams for the most part Saturday,” Kiffin said.
Transfers once again highlighted these successes, as safety Ladarius Tennison (Auburn transfer) returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in the first quarter. Kicker Jonathan Cruz (Charlotte transfer) connected on his first field goal attempt of the year and has not missed an extra point through two games.
On the road to play Georgia Tech
The Rebels will go on the road for the first time this season and will face ACC-foe Georgia Tech this Saturday, and Kiffin looks to have the same success from his new guys as the first two weeks.
“It doesn’t really matter what my confidence is.” Kiffin said. “We just got to keep coaching and build [confidence] in them. All this team knows with all these new guys is one thing, and that’s [Oxford].”
Transfers will continue to be the storyline for the Rebels as defensive end Jared Ivey (Georgia Tech transfer) will make his homecoming in Week 3. He and the rest of the Rebel transfers hope to continue their success outside the Vaught at Bobby Dodd Stadium against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss)
Trevor Terminie
Trevor is a senior at Ole Miss pursuing a degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Sports Communication and Promotion. He has previous experience covering sports for another site, including a variety of Ole Miss sports. Growing up in New Orleans, La., he has the Pelicans and Saints running through his blood. He also grew up in an LSU family, but his love for Ole Miss continues to grow. Trevor hopes to cover sports back in his hometown after college. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
