Lane Kiffin did not issue a general "warning" about Oklahoma to Tennessee. Instead, he made comments implying that
Oklahoma's defense is very good at deciphering opponents' sideline signals, a statement which led to Tennessee taking extra precautions ahead of their own game against the Sooners.
Kiffin's specific comments, made after his Ole Miss team beat Oklahoma, were:
- He told Auburn coach Hugh Freeze after the Tigers' game against Oklahoma that Freeze "might want to switch his signals".
- He noted that a middle safety for Oklahoma was "running down the field to steal slants" because "It looks like they have the plays," adding, "It's phenomenal prep. Film study of signals. I'll just tell you how it is, I think they do a great job of that".
These remarks were interpreted by media and the Tennessee program as a serious implication of sign-stealing, prompting the Volunteers to implement "extra precautions" regarding their signals for their upcoming game against Oklahoma. Kiffin's comments were part of a larger, ongoing war of words and jabs with Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables.
Whoa! This is something to look at, huh?