Reports: Ole Miss Could Turn to Chambliss Again vs. Tulane
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss heads into Saturday’s matchup with Tulane facing another round of quarterback questions.
Starter Austin Simmons, who tweaked his ankle again in last week’s win over Arkansas, has been limited all week. While Lane Kiffin said Monday he believes Simmons will be available, signs are pointing toward backup Trinidad Chambliss getting the nod.
ESPN’s Chris Low reported that Chambliss is expected to make his second consecutive start when the Rebels take the field against the Green Wave. Simmons could dress and be used in an emergency, but the staff knows the redshirt sophomore’s long-term health is the bigger priority — especially with LSU waiting next weekend.
Simmons briefly returned against Arkansas, limping onto the field late to take a critical snap, which showed his willingness to gut it out if needed. But for Ole Miss, the smart play might be to give him more time to heal with the SEC gauntlet looming.
Chambliss proved last week he’s capable of carrying the load. The former Division II national champion threw for 353 yards and a touchdown while adding 62 yards and two scores on the ground in the Rebels’ 41–35 victory over the Razorbacks.
Through two games, Simmons has totaled 580 passing yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions, along with 69 rushing yards and another score. But the ankle has clearly hampered him, and getting him healthy could make the difference later in the season.
Kiffin, for his part, has confidence in whichever quarterback lines up under center.
“I think it’s a great spot to be in,” Kiffin said Wednesday during the SEC Coaches Teleconference.
“I would put our two up against anybody else’s two. So that’s excited to have and really played with how both have played and how both handled the situation.”
Lane Kiffin
Kickoff between Ole Miss and Tulane is set for 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, with coverage on ESPN.
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. Email Evie at: Evie@TheRebelWalk.com
