Some might argue that the Rebels will rally for their coach who cannot make the trip due to testing positive for Covid, but from a tactical standpoint his absence has got to hurt. It is well known that he calls lots of the plays and has a big effect on the game. Of course in the first game of the year no one knows what is going to happen. But the line has gone from 9.5 or 10 down to 8.5 and I would guess Kiffin's absence has much to do with that.