In a week where Ole Miss's sole focus should have been getting a silencing revenge win against Florida, white-hot rumors of Lane Kiffin moving to Florida were everything everyone was talking about.
The Rebels did get that revenge in a 34-24 win, but the distractions holding them back from giving it their best performance was evident.
No doubt the rumors have been around for a long time, but last week saw the chatter ratchet up to a maximum volume.
Paul Finebaum knew exactly what led to it.
“I asked somebody the other day in the circle of people that actually do know," Finebaum said on The Matt Barrie Show.
"I was with some people in Athens on Friday night. I mean very, very respected reporters that were saying, 'Listen, don't be surprised if and I'll stop right there and you know why I'm not going any further.'"
Finebaum's translation of the dialogue is something no Ole Miss fan will like to hear with the Rebels just an Egg Bowl win away from making it to the College Football Playoff.
"I think what they're trying to say is don't be surprised if unbelievable things start to happen."
Ole Miss Rebels are a hair's breath away from the College Football Playoff
Kiffin leaving Ole Miss in the postseason absolutely sounds like a pipe dream. But, as Finebaum mentioned, the way rumors are this time of the season, they simply can't be ignored, even with the Playoff around.
"What about the Playoff? I heard some crazy stuff about the Playoff and as important as it is to get to the Playoff, jobs are more important right now. So, I’m not saying anything is going to happen or could happen. But I think we might be in for the wackiest postseason we have ever seen.”
It is tough to even think about Kiffin leaving Oxford after becoming the first coach in program history with three consecutive 10+ win seasons, and the sheer six years of work he put into building the Rebels roster.
"I love what we're doing here," Kiffin said post Florida win when asked about the rumors.
"I don't talk about that stuff. And to do that would be disrespectful to the players. Doing really well, and I love it here."
He might have a point, but given all his Kiffin-ness, only him asserting his commitment to Ole Miss out loud could pour cold water over the rumors.