With a new name, Grove Bowl Games will spread rage across the gridiron. Ole Miss is all set to hit the grounds again as they wrap up their 2024 spring practices. The countdown for Lane Kiffin’s squad has started with not more than a day left. April 13, Saturday, is a memorable day on the calendar of the Ole Miss football team as they are hosting the revamped Grove at 3 p.m. CT. This year, the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium will be hosting the grand event. 

Kiffin’s football program ensured to hype up the excitement for the weekend from a week back. On April 6, they posted a tweet revealing all the details of the pre-season game. Not to miss out on their intriguing caption of Kiffin’s tweet, “See you next Saturday!” Not just that, many tweets started to pour in on behalf of the Ole Miss program, one of which caught the instant attention of the fans for the suspense it tried to extend. The caption of the latest tweet says, “Doing things different tomorrow #ComToTheSip.”

Hence, it is evident that HC Kiffin is making a few switches prior to kickoff. The Rebels will eliminate the old game, as the new title reflects, in favor of more different events. According to the reports, the annual game will incorporate 7-on-7 skills challenges, ditching the typical Red vs. Blue exhibition. To promote and accustom fans to the newly revised spring game, beforehand, Kiffin released a video with defensive lineman JJ Pegues and quarterback Jaxson Dart. In the video, the coach added a touch of excitement as he confirmed, “We’re going to have competitions with the players who will also compete with a captain of each sorority and fraternity. So make sure you guys are there. Hotty Toddy, and go Rebs.” There prevails an agenda behind the change. 

HC Kiffin ushers in new changes 

Rebels HC Kiffin confirmed that both sides of the ball will break into teams. It is going by the points that will determine which side wins. On the other hand, the points will be part of the skills challenge, and the chances of scoring a point will either go to a passing touchdown or interception. The only goal for this changed format is to keep players healthy.

With this revamped version of the College Football Playoff, HC Kiffin is aiming to build the Rebels into a strong contender. This new format not only allows players to hone their skills but also offers exciting opportunities for fans. They can look forward to seeing Dart in action, with the possibility of him throwing 40-plus yard passes to Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins. There’s also the chance for running backs like Ulysses Bentley to showcase their agility against the linebackers. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

However, the only downside with these 7-on-7 drills is the defensive line. Newcomers Princely Umanmielen and Walter Nolen will have to work on the side instead of rushing the passer. Considering all the changes brought into this Grove Bowl Games, will it be a happy ending in Oxford? Let your opinions pour in.