Why Lane Kiffin said LSU's struggles before Ole Miss game might be good timing

No. 8 LSU beat Louisiana Tech 45-14 on Sept. 12, but the Tigers led just 10-7 at halftime. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt threw three interceptions in the game a week after the 51-10 rout of Clemson.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin said because the No. 8 Tigers (2-0) face No. 11 Ole Miss (2-0) on the road next on Sept. 19 (6:30 p.m., ABC), it might not have been such a bad thing that they struggled some vs Louisiana Tech.

"It was good because of that," Kiffin said of facing Ole Miss next. "We're getting ready to go on the road in the SEC vs a really good team that has played really well for years at that place.

"It was good because it's hard to get their (LSU's) attention after last week ... I'm glad it happened."

Lane Kiffin, LSU football coach returning to Ole Miss for Week 3 game

Ole Miss coach Pete Golding and the Rebels will go up against Kiffin less than one year after Kiffin left before the College Football Playoff.

Why Lane Kiffin's return to Ole Miss as LSU coach is such a big deal

Kiffin left Ole Miss on Nov. 30, taking the LSU job before the Rebels played in the College Football Playoff for the first time.

Kiffin lobbied to coach Ole Miss during the CFP but Rebels AD Keith Carter said that wasn't an option once Kiffin left.

Ole Miss promoted Pete Golding to head coach from defensive coordinator on the day Kiffin left for LSU.

Golding led Ole Miss to CFP wins over Tulane and Georgia. The Rebels season ended in the CFP semifinals with a loss to Miami.

Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_