Ole Miss football is in a sweet spot ahead of their Week 7 matchup against the Washington State Cougars because of their QB situation.
Having to choose between two QBs who meet expectations is a problem several other programs would like to have; even Kiffin himself calls it a 'good problem to have'.
Analytically speaking, however, QB Trinidad Chambliss has done everything just right, so far, to have the edge over Austin Simmons in becoming the Rebels' starter at quarterback.
The decision is entirely Kiffin's, sure, but his thoughts on Chambliss make a strong case.
“Whenever we’ve been in a scrimmage format or now a game format, he’s just done a great job and really rose to the occasion. Made big plays in big situations for us," Kiffin said in his weekly teleconference. "We expected him to do it and he did."
He also noted how seamlessly the Michigan native made himself at home in Oxford after his transfer this offseason.
"I think that’s exciting, you know. A chance to keep improving that he hasn’t been here very long and he can just get more comfortable. So we’re really excited about where both of our quarterbacks are and how they played."
Even statistically, Chambliss has an edge over Simmons. The latter started two games for the Rebels, with a very brief appearance in Week 3 against Arkansas. During this, he logged four interceptions.
Chambliss, on the other hand, started three games and appeared in all five games, and has just one interception so far, which came against LSU. His superlative SEC feat just adds more credit to his resume.
All that said, Kiffin mostly holds back announcements like this till the very last moment. It will be the same this week. What he has given is that he will consider Simmons when he is "100% healthy."
With a tough stretch awaiting them post Washington State, Kiffin will most likely proceed with his safe bet.