ATHENS, Ga. — In a top-10 clash brimming with offensive fireworks, No. 9 Georgia delivered a dramatic 43-35 victory over No. 5 Ole Miss on Saturday, handing the Rebels their first loss of the season and reshaping the SEC championship race.
From the outset, defense seemed optional. Both teams scored on the first 11 possessions, highlighting a game dominated by high-octane offenses. Georgia finally forced its first punt early in the fourth quarter with a crucial three-and-out, followed by a nine-play, 67-yard drive that gave the Bulldogs a decisive 40-35 lead.
Georgia’s Late Comeback and Key Stats
Trailing 35-26 in the second half after Ole Miss scored touchdowns on its first five drives, Georgia managed to hold the Rebels scoreless on their final three possessions. The Bulldogs outgained Ole Miss 510 yards to 351, racking up more than 200 yards both on the ground and through the air.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton was nearly flawless, completing 26-of-31 passes for 289 yards with five total touchdowns and no turnovers. Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, the Ferris State transfer, also impressed with 19 completions on 36 attempts and three total touchdowns, yet the Rebels couldn’t hold the lead late.
“I told the guys this was a culture win. Because we don’t win that game if we’re not physically and mentally tough,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “We call it ‘hard to kill,’ and the one thing about it is we’re hard to kill.”
Turning Point in the Fourth Quarter
Ole Miss was dominant early, converting all five third-down attempts in the first half. However, the Rebels went 0-for-4 on third downs in the second half. Momentum shifted with a critical fourth-quarter three-and-out that allowed Georgia to take control. The Bulldogs outscored Ole Miss 17-0 in the final quarter, showcasing their resilience and versatility.
The win also served as payback for Georgia, which fell to Ole Miss at home last November. With the victory, Georgia remains in strong contention for the SEC title alongside Ole Miss, although both teams still trail Texas A&M and Alabama in conference standings.
Playoff Implications
Georgia’s comeback strengthens its College Football Playoff prospects. With two ranked wins already (against Tennessee and Ole Miss), the Bulldogs have a path to 10 wins, facing Florida, Mississippi State, Texas, Georgia Tech, and Charlotte. Ole Miss, meanwhile, remains in contention, needing victories over ranked Oklahoma and rival Mississippi State to reach a similar benchmark.
According to The Athletic’s projections model, Georgia’s playoff chances rose from 71% to 78%, while Ole Miss fell from 72% to 63%.
Defensive Struggles
Georgia’s defense, despite a roster full of blue-chip recruits, struggled for much of the game. Chambliss exploited the Bulldogs’ secondary with quick, accurate passes, keeping the Georgia defense off balance. Missed tackles and poor angles allowed Ole Miss to produce explosive plays, including a 75-yard touchdown.
Georgia finally forced stops on the sixth and seventh drives of the game, setting up the late rally. Ole Miss’ defense, once a SEC powerhouse under coordinator Pete Golding, has declined without many of last year’s key players, particularly in the front seven, ranking 13th in the SEC in yards per play.
Quarterbacks Shine
The game also underscored the rise of Stockton, a transfer quarterback who has emerged as Georgia’s offensive leader. Stockton’s mix of running and passing kept Ole Miss off balance, highlighted by a crucial 36-yard connection to Dillon Bell with 4:15 left that set up the go-ahead score.
Chambliss, last year’s Division II national champion with Ferris State, dominated early, but Georgia’s balanced offensive attack ultimately prevailed. Running backs and receivers contributed throughout, including key catches from Zachariah Branch, Lawson Luckie, and tight end Oscar Delp, who combined for 95 yards and nine receptions.
Lane Kiffin’s Sideline Antics
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, known for his trolling, was caught on camera calling a timeout just before halftime to ice a Georgia field goal attempt. Replays showed Kiffin joking with the referee, demonstrating his signature sideline antics. Georgia kicker Peyton Woodring successfully converted the 35-yard field goal, cutting Ole Miss’ halftime lead to 21-20.