"Lane Kiffin was understandably the story of the Egg Bowl, but the coach's prolonged employment decision didn't really qualify as surprising for those who have followed his career. You know who was a surprise? Trinidad Chambliss. Did anyone outside of Oxford, Mississippi, or Big Rapids, Michigan, where Chambliss starred for Division II Ferris State before transferring to Ole Miss, know the quarterback's name entering the season?"
"Chambliss, who replaced injured starter Austin Simmons in September and never looked back, became one of the season's most delightful surprises. He again displayed his talent and poise in the Egg Bowl, recording season highs for passing yards (359) and touchdowns (4) in Ole Miss' 38-19 win over rival Mississippi State. Chambliss finished the regular season with 3,016 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, to go along with 470 rushing yards and six scores."
"This season, the edge rusher/linebacker has become a superstar. With 59 tackles and 6.5 sacks, Reese has wrecked opposing offenses. He's in line to earn All-America honors -- and suddenly is a virtual lock to go high in the first round of the next NFL draft. Ohio State boasted the No. 1 statistical defense last season on the way to winning the national championship. This season, its defense is even better -- and Reese's emergence is a major reason why."
Lane Kiffin dominated attention in the Egg Bowl but his continued employment was unsurprising to longtime followers. Trinidad Chambliss took over in September after Austin Simmons' injury and became a breakout quarterback, throwing for 3,016 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 470 yards and six scores, including 359 yards and four TDs in the Egg Bowl. Other season surprises include Oklahoma's defensive resurgence under Brent Venables, Ohio State maintaining elite play with first-year starter Julian Sayin, BYU rising to 11-1 behind Bear Bachmeier, and Indiana exceeding expectations under Curt Cignetti. Arvell Reese emerged as a premier edge rusher for Ohio State.
Read at ESPN.com
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