No. 16 Ole Miss Stuns No. 3 Georgia, 28-10, Boosts Playoff Hopes

In what is undoubtedly the biggest win of Lane Kiffin's tenure at Ole Miss, the Rebels defeated No. 3 Georgia 28-10 on Saturday, not only pulling off an impressive upset but also significantly boosting their College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes. Ole Miss (8-2, 4-2 SEC) played a dominant, complete game, with a swarming defense and a gritty performance from quarterback Jaxson Dart, who overcame an injury to lead his team to victory.

A Historic Home Win for Ole Miss

This victory is historic in more ways than one for Ole Miss. Not only is it the first time in school history that they have defeated a team ranked in the top two of the AP Top 25 at home, but it also marks Georgia’s first loss to an SEC team outside of Alabama since 2020, when they fell to Florida.

The Rebels were driven by a passionate home crowd that spilled onto the field prematurely with 16 seconds remaining, forcing a brief delay before the final play. Once the field was cleared, Ole Miss fans had their moment to celebrate their team's most significant victory in recent memory.

Jaxson Dart Leads Despite Injury

The game started with adversity for Ole Miss, as Dart, playing through a left ankle injury, was sacked on the second play of the game and limped off to the locker room. His injury initially seemed like it might derail the Rebels’ chances, especially with Georgia taking a quick 7-0 lead after Ole Miss turned the ball over. But freshman Austin Simmons stepped in for the second drive and immediately made an impact, leading the Rebels to a touchdown to tie the game.

Dart returned from the locker room to take the reins once more, and although clearly limited, he played brilliantly. Dart was Ole Miss’ leading rusher with 89 yards on the ground and threw for 199 yards, completing 13 of 22 passes, including a touchdown to Juice Wells. His gutsy performance was instrumental in Ole Miss pulling away in the second half.

Defensive Dominance: Ole Miss' Key to Victory

While the Rebels' offense was solid, it was their defense that truly set the tone. Coming off a humbling 2023 loss to Georgia — in which the Bulldogs racked up over 600 total yards — Lane Kiffin made a concerted effort to bolster his defensive line through the transfer portal. The results were on full display Saturday.

Ole Miss’ defensive line overwhelmed Georgia’s offensive line, sacking Georgia quarterback Carson Beck five times and constantly pressuring him. The Bulldogs, who were averaging nearly 10 yards per carry in last season’s matchup, managed just 59 yards on the ground from 33 carries. It was a stunning turnaround for a defense that, less than a year ago, was outmatched by Georgia’s physicality.

Beck, who came into the game with a solid season and some Heisman buzz, was harassed throughout the contest. Ole Miss kept him off balance, and Georgia’s offense could not establish any rhythm. Beck threw an interception late in the game on a fourth-and-10 with 7:22 left, which allowed the Rebels to seal the win.

Turnovers Plague Georgia

Georgia's struggles on offense were compounded by turnovers. Carson Beck fumbled and threw an interception, while running back Nate Frazier also coughed up the ball. This makes three turnovers in consecutive weeks for Georgia, which had already been turnover-prone against top teams this season, including a four-turnover performance against Alabama and three turnovers against Texas.

The Bulldogs simply couldn’t execute when it mattered most. Their lack of explosive plays, combined with a struggle to run the ball effectively, has raised concerns for Georgia as they continue their playoff push. With no Ladd McConkey, Brock Bowers, or George Pickens to make game-changing plays in the passing game, Georgia is missing some of the big-play weapons that defined their past championship-caliber offenses. The lack of a consistent ground game, which had been a hallmark of Georgia's attack in recent seasons, was also evident as they were stifled by the Rebels' defense.

What’s Next for Ole Miss and Georgia?

For Ole Miss, this victory is not just about one win over a top-three team. It’s about continuing their momentum and positioning themselves for a potential College Football Playoff berth if they can finish strong. With the win, the Rebels have positioned themselves for a possible New Year’s Six bowl, and if they can win out — including a road trip to Alabama next week — they could earn a spot in the playoff conversation.

On the other hand, Georgia’s road to the CFP remains open, but the Bulldogs are no longer the invincible force they once appeared to be. After dropping this game to Ole Miss, they’ll need to regroup quickly, starting with a crucial home matchup against No. 7 Tennessee in Week 12. The Bulldogs can still win the SEC East and earn a spot in the playoff, but they’ll need to clean up their turnovers and find more consistency on offense.

A Legacy-Building Win for Lane Kiffin

For Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss, Saturday’s win is a statement — not just against Georgia, but against the college football elite. The victory gives Ole Miss a signature win that will resonate throughout the program, especially after the disappointing loss to Georgia last year. Kiffin’s decision to revamp the defense has paid immediate dividends, and his ability to get the most out of Jaxson Dart, despite the quarterback's injury, speaks volumes about the culture and resilience within this team.

As for Georgia, they’ll have to shake off this loss quickly and focus on securing a spot in the SEC Championship Game. The Bulldogs’ playoff hopes are still alive, but with Ole Miss’ upset fresh in their minds, it’s clear that the path ahead will be a challenging one.

Up Next

• Ole Miss: The Rebels will take on Alabama next week in a key SEC matchup that could further solidify their place in the postseason picture.

• Georgia: The Bulldogs return home to face No. 7 Tennessee, with their SEC East title hopes and playoff dreams on the line.

Author

Cameron Williams

DiSportsPhotoAgency

Senior Writer