Lane Kiffin Congratulates Ole Miss, Hypes CFB Playoff Bracket Run After Win vs. Tulane

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin enjoyed watching from afar Ole Miss' dominant 41-10 victory over Tulane in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

On social media, he congratulated the Rebels and "especially" head coach Pete Golding:

Kiffin would've been the one leading Ole Miss out of the tunnel if he had had his way following his exit to LSU. He said in a statement he had asked athletic director Keith Carter to stay with the Rebels though the CFP and had the blessing of his players.

Ole Miss offensive linemen Brycen Sanders and Jayden Williams and linebacker Suntarine Perkins all publicly pushed back on Kiffin's assertion:

The Athletic's Christopher Kamrani and Joe Rexrode reported the Rebels' player leadership council voted 9-3 in favor of having Kiffin stay through the postseason. There was at least some internal bitterness, and the leadership vote may not have reflected how the majority of the roster felt.

Kiffin's absence certainly didn't have an impact on Saturday.

🚨 Ole Miss Advances in CFP

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Ole Miss jumped ahead 14-0 in the first quarter and cruised to the finish line. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss finished 23-of-29 for 282 yards and one touchdown, while Kewan Lacy ran for 87 yards and one score on 15 carries. The Rebels defense allowed 421 yards but forced three turnovers.

A much tougher challenge now awaits Golding and his squad. Ole Miss will play third-seeded Georgia on New Year's Day in the Sugar Bowl.