Inspired by a public display of love, the sixth-ranked Ole Miss Rebels easily defeated The Citadel 49-0. College football season is well known to bring people together, but for one Ole Miss couple, the game became a momentous occasion as their relationship took a big step in front of thousands of fans—and Rebels coach Lane Kiffin.
Former Ole Miss pole vaulter Drew O’Connor came onto the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium field during a third-quarter timeout, supposedly to kick a field goal as part of an on-field promotion. His girlfriend, Madison Barnette, joined to hold the ball for the attempt. However, instead of kicking, O’Connor knelt down and proposed marriage.
“Barnette said yes,”
and placed a ring on her finger to the delight of the Ole Miss crowd.
Lane Kiffin, the Rebels' sixth-year head coach, watched the proposal unfold from the sideline. Sharing in the couple’s joy, he joined them for photos and pointed at the newly engaged pair in celebration.
“Ole Miss does not keep official statistics on the amount of on-field proposals during games.”
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This engagement during an Ole Miss game shows how college football moments create unforgettable memories, with fans and coach Lane Kiffin celebrating alongside the couple.