The Return: Lane Kiffin previews the Tigers matchup against Ole Miss and his return to Oxford

No. 7 LSU returns to Oxford, Mississippi to start conference play against the No.8 Ole Miss Rebels.

With head coach Lane Kiffin surrounding the headlines for this year’s matchup, there’s a lot of factors heading into week three. However, Kiffin expressed in Monday’s press conference that this game won’t be about the storyline of his return to face his former team, it will be about LSU’s preparation to create the outcome they want.

“I think it is unusual … one team you built and then now a new team that you’re building,” Kiffin said. “I know obviously a lot’s going to be made about me, but this is about the players being prepared really well and playing really well.”

The Rebels head into week three with a lot to prove now under head coach Pete Golding. After reaching the College Football Semifinals in 2025, Ole Miss returns its dynamic duo in quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy, hoping to become a playoff contender without Kiffin on its sidelines.

With LSU’s defense ranked No.1 in the SEC, Kiffin is hopeful that his Bayou Bandits can roll into Oxford and keep their production going against one of the top offensives in the country.

However, that will be up to how well the defensive line can prevent Chambliss and Lacy from taking over the game.

“Obviously, the competition gets harder,” Kiffin said. “We’re going to play one of the best teams in the country and I would say the most explosive set of two players in the country in the running back and quarterback. Everybody’s got to do their job, especially up front.”

This year marks the 110th Magnolia Bowl between LSU and Ole Miss, with the Tigers leading the series 64-41-4 over the Rebels.

The Tigers will go on the road to start conference play as they face the Rebels on Saturday Sept.19 at 6:30 p.m. CT.