The big question surrounding Mississippi as the last regular season limped to a close was more about who would be the head coach in 2023 than who would be the starting quarterback.
Coach Lane Kiffin and quarterback Jaxson Dart are both back for a season that starts with Saturday’s opener against FCS school Mercer (1-0). It remains to be seen if Dart will remain the starter after an offseason challenge from Oklahoma State transfer Spencer Sanders, one of college football’s most experienced passers.
“It’s been very competitive and the future is bright,” said Kiffin, who flirted with the Auburn job before signing a new contract with Ole Miss. “We have two returning starters that have played in really big games and that’s a great situation to be in.”
The Rebels ended last season on a four-game skid amid all the Kiffin speculation. But they return with another big influx of transfers and preseason All-America tailback Quinshon Judkins.
While any game pitting an SEC team against one from the FCS figures to be a mismatch, Judkins said it hasn’t affected the Rebels’ preparation.
“I think that’s what separates our team,” he said. “Just going into any matchup, we do not consider someone just because of the logo on their chest or who they are or their record. Coach Kiffin prepares us the right way to go into any matchup.”
Mercer started off with a 17-7 win over North Alabama.
Mississippi running back Quinshon Judkins responds to questions during NCAA college football Southeastern Conference Media Days, Thursday, July 20, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Ole Miss opens their season at home against Mercer on Sept. 2. Credit: AP/George Walker IV
“We’ll go over there and throw everything we’ve got at them,” Bears coach Drew Cronic said. “You never know what will happen. Good things happen when you’re prepared and ready to go.”
QUARTERBACK QUANDARY
Dart had a solid debut season for the Rebels after transferring from USC. He completed 62% of his passes for…
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