In an electrifying clash between two top-10 teams, the Georgia Bulldogs, ranked No. 9, outlasted the No. 5 Ole Miss Rebels with a final score of 43-35. This victory not only marked the first loss of the season for Ole Miss but also significantly altered the landscape of the SEC championship race.
The matchup was characterized by remarkable offensive displays from both teams, as they combined to score on the first 11 possessions of the game. However, by early in the fourth quarter, Georgia managed to force its first punt of the game with a crucial three-and-out, leading to a nine-play, 67-yard scoring drive that gave the Bulldogs a critical 40-35 lead.
Despite trailing 35-26 in the second half, Georgia (6-1, 4-1 SEC) rallied to secure the comeback by holding Ole Miss (6-1, 3-1 SEC) scoreless on their final three possessions. Georgia coach Kirby Smart praised his team's resilience, stating, “I told the guys that was a culture win. Because we don’t win that game if we’re not physically tough and mentally tough. We call it ‘hard to kill.’ And the one thing about is we’re hard to kill.”
The Bulldogs outgained the Rebels, amassing a staggering 510 yards compared to Ole Miss's 351 yards. Georgia's quarterback Gunner Stockton had an outstanding performance, completing 26 of 31 passes for 289 yards, along with five total touchdowns and no turnovers. In contrast, Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss also showed skill, throwing for three touchdowns without any turnovers, finishing 19 of 36.
Ole Miss started strong, converting all five of their third-down attempts in the first half. However, the tables turned in the second half as they struggled, going 0-4 on third downs. Georgia capitalized on this momentum shift, scoring 17 unanswered points in the final quarter.
This victory not only serves as a form of payback for Georgia, who faced a defeat against Ole Miss last November, but it also keeps the Bulldogs firmly in the hunt for the SEC championship. Both teams currently trail Texas A&M and Alabama in the conference standings. With two ranked wins already under their belt, Georgia's path to achieving 10 wins looks promising, with upcoming games against Florida, Mississippi State, Texas, and Georgia Tech.
For Ole Miss, despite the loss, the schedule remains manageable. They face only one more ranked opponent, No. 14 Oklahoma, next week, and must navigate road games against Mississippi State alongside home games against South Carolina, The Citadel, and Florida. Securing at least one win against these opponents could still lead them to a successful season with 10 victories.
Both teams showcased weaknesses on defense that could impact their playoff aspirations. Georgia's defense, although filled with top recruits, struggled against Ole Miss's offense, particularly in the first half. The Bulldogs allowed Ole Miss to convert many short passes, leading to minimal third-and-long situations for the Rebels. However, Georgia did manage to tighten up their defense in the fourth quarter, finally stopping Ole Miss on two consecutive drives.
Conversely, Ole Miss's defense, which performed admirably last season, has seen a decline this year, now ranked 13th in the SEC in yards per play. They were unable to contain Georgia’s potent offense, leading to significant plays that helped secure the win for the Bulldogs.
The game highlighted the emergence of both quarterbacks as elite players in the SEC. Gunner Stockton has proven to be a pivotal factor in Georgia’s success, especially given the high-profile competition in the SEC this season. Meanwhile, Trinidad Chambliss, a Division II transfer who had previously led Ferris State to a national championship, showcased his talents and ability to handle pressure against a formidable opponent.
Stockton’s crucial 36-yard completion to Dillon Bell late in the game was a turning point that set up a field goal, reinforcing Georgia's lead. The run game, led by Josh McCray, also played a vital role in the Bulldogs' offensive strategy throughout the match.
In addition to the intense gameplay, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin made headlines with his antics during the game. Known for his playful trolling, Kiffin attempted to ice Georgia’s kicker by calling a timeout just before halftime. This moment added a light-hearted touch to an otherwise intense game, highlighting the competitive spirit and strategies employed in high-stakes college football.
As the season progresses, both Georgia and Ole Miss will strive to capitalize on their remaining games to solidify their positions in the SEC and enhance their chances for a shot at the College Football Playoff.
