When Lane Kiffin looked out at the field after Saturday’s 28-10 major upset victory over Georgia Bulldogs. It wasn’t just about the upset win—it was about honoring his father, Monte Kiffin. This Victory wasn’t just about football; it was very personal for Lane Kiffin for various reasons. After Last year’s brutal 52-17 loss to Georgia, Kiffin knew the road to redemption wouldn’t be this easy. But after that painful defeat, he and his staff made a commitment to change, to recruit differently, and to plan for a day like this. This win resembles the iconic Meek Mill verse ” I used to pray for times like this.” In that moment, Lane Kiffin wasn’t just celebrating a football victory- he was living the times he had once prayed for. 

This victory is for Monte Kiffin, Lane’s late father and a legendary figure in the world of defense. He was always a rock for his son. Known for his time coaching with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Monte was regarded as one of the greatest defensive minds in the NFL history. Even after his passing, his influence on Lane’s career is undeniable. After Ole Miss’s Blowout loss to Georgia in 2022, Monte’s words echoed in Lane’s mind “You’re going to beat Georgia next year.” Those words weren’t just hopeful; they were a promise, a belief that his son would rise above the adversity.

“Honestly, I remember him saying after the game, ‘We’ll get this thing turned around. You’re going to beat Georgia next year,’” Lane said after the win. “He always believed in me, and I guess we proved him right.” For Lane, the win wasn’t just about revenge or redemption—it was about fulfilling his father’s belief in him and carrying forward his legacy. “(The win) was really in (his) style,” Kiffin said. “Great defense. Dominant defensive performance. Mushy offense and field goals. He’s happy about that performance.” Saturday’s victory was Lane Kiffin’s way of honoring Monte, and how he adapted his dad’s coaching style, showing that he could take his father’s guidance and turn it into something real.

Kiffin’s strategic preparation for victory against the Bulldogs

Lane Kiffin didn’t wake up one day and decided to beat the Georgia Bulldogs. No, this was a game that had been in works for the months. Even before the first snap of the season. “We planned for this game for a year” Kiffin expressed his excitement after their victory.“We made a decision we gotta go and recruit differently, go shopping for the right pieces,” Lane said after the win. His team was ready for this moment, and it wasn’t by accident. Kiffin knew exactly what it was going to take to beat Georgia Bulldogs: Smarter recruiting, better game plans, and a collective belief. They had it all planned and sorted in the offseason. When the whistle blew, they came out swinging, and ready to make a statement.

When the game hit the second half, Ole Miss wasn’t just hanging on — they were literally dominating the game. This is the first time Georgia Bulldogs lost a game since 2021, other than Alabama. Ole Miss turned the momentum around the mix of strong defense, timely offense, and pure grit. The Ole Miss Defense felt like Invincible, while the Georgia Bulldogs offense was invisible. That 28-10 win was more than just a game — it was a symbol of what hard work, faith, and preparation could bring.

According to the Athletic model, Ole Miss now has a 60% of chance making the playoff, and the Bulldogs’ chances of making the playoff fell to 69%. The playoff picture is a hand-distance reach for the Ole Miss. The Lane Kiffin Dynasty has begun. Lane Kiffin’s win over Georgia was a tribute to his late father and a warning to the rest of the SEC teams that they are no longer underdogs. This victory marks the beginning of a new era for Ole Miss. One that’s ready to make its mark in the conference for years to come.