GLENDALE, AZ — Former Ole Miss football star quarterback Eli Manning was all-in when jokingly asked how he is volunteering to help the Rebels’ coaching staff for the Fiesta Bowl.
“Wherever they need me,” Manning said Jan. 4 in a mock press conference on his Youtube channel. “I’m a guy, I can fill a lot of roles.”
The No. 6 Rebels (13-1) face the No. 10 Hurricanes (12-2) in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff (6:30 p.m., ESPN) on Jan. 8. The game is at State Farm Stadium.
Manning said he will be in attendance, and he has good memories in the stadium. He won Super Bowl XLII in the building against the New England Patriots in 2008.
Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is one of the LSU-bound coaches on staff who is staying for the game. New coach Pete Golding said his staff is robust and will not be a problem for the game.
Manning agrees.
“They will be fine,” Manning said. “Obviously coach Golding has got them in good shape. The defense is all there. A few offensive guys I know kind of have other jobs in recruiting. Charlie Weis Jr. is doing a great job. I know he’s back in Oxford getting the offense together, getting the team going.”
The Rebels have overcome a tremendous amount of adversity to reach the Fiesta Bowl. The winner will play in the national championship game in Miami on jan. 19 against the winner of Indiana and Oregon.
“I think it’s one of those situations where, hey, it’s not the norm, but the last month has not been the norm for them,” Manning said. “It’s OK if it’s hard. Just make it possible. These guys are fighting. They want it. You’ve just got to overcome all the circumstances and just go play your best football. Excited to root them on.”
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at [email protected] or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
