Defense was dominant and played with great effort, very physical. Limited explosive plays. South Carolina’s longest pass play was 17 yards.
Offensively, left an amazing amount of yards in the pass game out there. Dart missed a few big throws down the field, had others that should have been made. Could’ve been well over 400 yards passing. Was frustrating on film.
Wells turnover was disappointing, handing away seven points. Outside of that, Rebels protected the ball and didn’t let South Carolina thrive off turnovers, which is something they like to do. That was a critical part of the game.
On Tre Harris:
Weren’t close to putting him back in. Knew at half he was out. Doesn’t know a whole lot more yet. That report comes later tonight.
On not overreacting to Kentucky loss:
Kentucky is a really good team, great defense, had Georgia to the wire. Weren’t going to change a million things when still had chances late in the game. Had to correct defensive penalties, did a much better job there. Played some different coverages there. Pete Golding did a really good job.
On emphasis on fun:
Learned a lot from his dad, from North Carolina State on. Learned some from Pete Carroll. Wanted to create an atmosphere players wanted to be at, not had to be at.
It’s very easy to be a conservative coach. As soon as you lose, it’s because you dunk or because you do TikTok with your daughter. Lots of criticism of everything when you lose.
On possibility of a 3-loss SEC team making playoffs:
I don’t concern myself with that. If they take into account conference people play in, it could happen.
It’s easier now for people to correct rosters faster. The QB position is so important and the ability to go get quarterbacks may take a team that barely makes a bowl game go undefeated. Quarterback can completely change a team.
On distributing the ball:
A couple of times South Carolina doubled Tre, and that led to other guys getting open. Kentucky also deserves credit. “They’re a problem,” Kiffin said. Lots of opportunities missed in passing game on Saturday.