Some coaches are content to simply win. Others want to leave a scar. As Lane Kiffin brings his No. 20 Ole Miss Rebels into Lexington, a dark cloud of history hangs over Kroger Field. Fueled by the sting of last year's shocking 20-17 upset loss, Kiffin has the motivation, the offensive firepower, and the perfect role model to not just beat Kentucky, but to humiliate them: the Ol’ Ball Coach himself, Steve Spurrier.
If Kentucky’s struggling offense doesn't show up on Saturday, BBN could be in for a long, painful lesson in football history, as Kiffin is poised to unleash his inner Spurrier. He will run up the score without a hint of remorse.
The ghost of the Ol' Ball Coach
For years, Steve Spurrier tormented the SEC with a smirk and an offense that never took its foot off the gas. His philosophy was as simple as it was brutal: “Well somebody told me they had never scored 50 against Georgia here. And our guys wanted to score 50.” This was right after running a trick play and caling a pass play to score a touchdown with just over a minute to go. And they did it, they hung 52 points on Georgia in their own stadium for the first time ever. He lived to embarrass his rivals, and Kentucky was often on the receiving end.
Spurrier’s jabs at the Wildcats are legendary and painful. After a 54-3 South Carolina win in 2011, he twisted the knife with a backhanded compliment: "Kentucky has a heck of a punter, I know that." Even last season, years after retiring, he took a shot at the Cats after a loss to South Carolina, calling their performance "embarrassing" and criticizing the "bad game coaching plan" after a 31-6 beatdown in Lexington.
Why Lane Kiffin is his modern-day disciple
Lane Kiffin is the spiritual successor to Steve Spurrier. He is an offensive innovator who delights in trolling his opponents and lives on the cutting edge of the game, sometimes delving into the dark arts. Kiffin’s social media antics and aggressive, go-for-broke play-calling are the 21st-century version of Spurrier throwing his visor in disgust. And he even wears a visor. He loves the spotlight, he hates to lose, and he never forgets a slight.
Last year's loss in Oxford was more than a loss; it was an embarrassment that derailed a potential playoff run for the Rebels. That single game provides all the motivation Kiffin needs to make this personal. He is not coming to Lexington just to get a win; he is coming to make a statement and exorcise the demons of that upset.
Related: Kentucky vs. Ole Miss: How to watch, TV channel, odds, and weather
The warning for Kentucky could not be clearer. If the offense sputters through another series of three-and-outs, leaving the defense exhausted on the field, Kiffin will not show mercy. He will keep throwing, keep scoring, and take a victory lap around a silenced Kroger Field. It's on Mark Stoops' team to stop it, because Lane Kiffin certainly won't stop himself, nor should he.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. Psalm 23. #UpTheAlbion