TAMPA, FLA. — Even before Mississippi took the field for the Outback Bowl, the Rebels felt good about the direction they’re headed.
Coach Lane Kiffin was rewarded with a new contract despite having only been at the school for one season. There also was no guarantee one of the nation’s lowest-ranked defenses would be able to slow No. 11 Indiana enough to ensure the team’s first non-losing record since 2017.
“It’s really only up from here,” quarterback Matt Corral said Saturday after throwing for 342 yards and two touchdowns to pace a 26-20 victory that ruined the finish to surprising Indiana’s breakout season.