Athens, Ga. — The No. 5 Ole Miss Rebels travel to Sanford Stadium on Saturday to face the reigning SEC champion Georgia Bulldogs in a game that could shape the conference title race.
Ole Miss (6-0, 3-0 SEC) is tied atop the SEC standings with Texas A&M and Alabama. With just one remaining ranked opponent—No. 14 Oklahoma—a win against Georgia would be a major step toward securing a conference title berth.
Georgia (5-1, 3-1 SEC) also has everything on the line. A loss could seriously hamper the Bulldogs’ SEC championship aspirations, making this one of the most anticipated matchups of Week 8.
Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Challenges
The Rebels feature one of the nation’s top offenses. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss leads a unit averaging 515.3 total yards per game (fifth nationally) and 311 passing yards (eighth). Georgia’s pass defense, which has struggled at times—including being picked apart by Tennessee earlier this season—ranks 58th nationally in passing yards allowed, setting the stage for a potential aerial showdown.
Sportsbooks list Georgia as a 7.5-point favorite, slightly higher than the opening line of 6 points. Analysts note that Ole Miss’ high-powered offense, combined with Chambliss making his first FBS road start, could create opportunities for an upset.
Week 8 Top 25 Matchups & Betting Insights
No. 5 Ole Miss at No. 9 Georgia (3:30 p.m.) – Open: Georgia -6 | Current: Georgia -7.5
Crossing the key number of 7 indicates balanced betting action. Georgia’s strong offense faces a Rebels defense that allowed 186 rushing yards last week.
No. 11 Tennessee at No. 6 Alabama (7:30 p.m.) – Open: Alabama -8 | Current: Alabama -8.5
Minimal line movement reflects confidence in Alabama, though Tennessee’s defensive strengths could create a backdoor cover.
Notre Dame at USC – Open: Notre Dame -9 | Current: Notre Dame -9.5
Weather is a factor, with heavy rain and gusty winds expected, potentially limiting the Fighting Irish’s passing game.
Utah at BYU – Open: Utah -2 | Current: Utah -3.5
Utah’s recent dominant win has slightly shifted the line, but rivalry dynamics suggest a close contest.
Vanderbilt at LSU – Open: Pick ‘em | Current: Vanderbilt -2.5
Vanderbilt earns its first favoring against a ranked opponent since at least 1978. The Commodores’ seventh-ranked scoring offense and home-field advantage make them a strong contender.
The Stakes
Week 8 will play a critical role in determining the SEC landscape. The Rebels-Bulldogs showdown is particularly significant, with both teams aiming to strengthen their postseason positioning. Fans can expect high drama, explosive offense, and pivotal moments that may define the conference race.