Mind of Mike: Kirby Smart’s aggression, LSU title hopes, Mark Stoops time is up, Ashton Jeanty is not Barry Sanders

Random college football thoughts from the Mind of Mike.

— The Kirby Smart push of Mississippi State QB Michael Van Buren went largely unnoticed by the national media and I’m okay with that. Had it been completely intentional or led to something more we’d be talking about something completely different but it appears it wasn’t intentional and I’m not sure anyone took true offense to it. I’d be more puzzled by the defensive effort from the Dawgs this season having been lit up by Alabama and giving up so many points to a Mississippi State offense that has been anemic.

— LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier was horrible most of the game but came up big when he needed to in the OT win against Ole Miss. This game essentially eliminated the Rebels from the playoff (unless they get some help) and makes LSU a good candidate to be one of the four SEC teams that makes it. That loss to a very average USC team is haunting but Brian Kelly is winning a few close games and Nussmeier is tough. They still don’t have the defense to win it all but they are becoming intriguing.

— Kentucky is a mess and probably the team you can’t figure out week to week. They get blown out by a bad Gamecocks team, give UGA all they can handle, beat Ole Miss on the road and then lose to Vandy at home. Mark Stoops almost left for Texas A&M and while he’s a good coach, perhaps this blend isn’t working anymore. He’s been there 12 seasons and has done a great job but since the 10-win season in 2021 the program has regressed. He won’t be fired anytime soon but watch for him to be continually mentioned for other jobs.

— Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is amazing but if I hear him compared to Barry Sanders one more time I might lose my mind. Sanders rushed for 2,600+ yards in 11 games and against better competition. That will never be equaled or even compared to.