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SEC coach tests positive for COVID-19, will miss Week 1 matchup

Rolando Rosa

By Rolando Rosa

Published:

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin will miss the team’s season opener vs. Louisville due to testing positive for COVID-19. Kiffin announced the news via his Twitter account.

“I am grateful to be vaccinated and experiencing over mild symptoms. So much so, I debated over being tested, but I’m relieved that I did,” Kiffin said. “I’m proud of our program’s commitment to vaccination, and as a result, there are currently no other cases to report or team members expected to miss the game.”

Kiffin appeared on College GameDay and expressed his disappointment because of the precautions he’s been taking.

“Just had symptoms about 48 hours ago …,” Kiffin said. “It’s very disappointing to get it just because I’m 100 percent vaccinated and I don’t go anywhere but the office and home.”

Kiffin made that point that if he/the team wasn’t vaccinated, then starting quarterback Matt Corral wouldn’t be able to play vs. Louisville. Kiffin is confident Corral will have a strong showing.

“Obviously I’m near him all day long,” Kiffin said. “It was tough telling the players this morning. Especially, I told Matt before anyone else, but he’s got this. He’s come a long way. It’s time for him to step up now”

Kiffin’s replacement has yet to be decided, according to ESPN.

Kiffin is entering his second season at Ole Miss. In his debut year at Ole Miss, Kiffin posted a 5-5 record in the shortened 2020 campaign.

Ole Miss-Louisville is slated for Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. EST and will be televised on ESPN. This is the first matchup between the programs.

Rolando Rosa

Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.