Which QB will it Be? Coach Kiffin talks Ole Miss quarterbacks on SEC Coaches Teleconference
OXFORD, Miss. — On Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was asked, yet again, who would be the Rebels’ starter at quarterback this Saturday against Georgia Tech in Atlanta. The short answer — as of today, he still hasn’t decided whether it will be Luke Altmyer or Jaxson Dart.
“We’ve not made that decision,” Kiffin explained.
“Both guys continue to battle. They’ve done some good things and some things they need to do better. They’re both still young, in their second year of college. So, we hope they improve this week.”
Lane Kiffin on the Ole Miss QB competition
Altmyer was injured and left the game last Saturday against Central Arkansas, following what was reported as an “upper body injury.” According to Coach Kiffin in Monday’s Ole Miss press conference, Altmyer has been practicing this week.
Dart, a USC transfer, started the season opener against Troy, while Altmyer started the second game of the season against Central Arkansas.
When asked about balancing Altmyer’s injury situation with the sophomore being able to get practice time in, Kiffin did not seem concerned.
“I think he’s fine. He understands it’s a competition and it’s still wide open, so I see both guys playing.“
Lane Kiffin
With both quarterbacks having played in each game so far, and possibly sharing time again in the upcoming game against Georgia Tech, Coach Kiffin was asked if he thinks it is important to settle on a starter or if he would consider a two-QB system.
“I think it would be better to (settle on a starter); I’ve always thought that. But at the same time, you’ve got to make the right decision. Both guys being young, the battle being so close, we need more information.“
Lane Kiffin
Going into the game with the Yellow Jackets, Dart has thrown for 336 yards on 28-of-42 passing with three touchdowns and an interception. Altmyer has thrown for 103 on 7-for-15 passing with two touchdowns through the air, one on the ground, and one interception.
Game info:
Ole Miss and Georgia Tech kick off at 2:30 p.m. this Saturday in Atlanta. The game will be televised on ABC. As of this publication, the Rebels are 16.5-point favorites.
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss)
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
