UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the No. 5 Ole Miss Rebels fell to No. 9 Georgia with a final score of 43-35 in Athens, Georgia, on October 14, 2023. This loss marks a critical setback for head coach Lane Kiffin and his team, who were poised for a significant victory after leading by nine points entering the fourth quarter.
The Rebels started strong, scoring touchdowns on their first five possessions, showcasing their offensive prowess. However, despite a commanding lead, Ole Miss faltered in the final stretch, allowing Georgia to outscore them 17-0 in the fourth quarter. Kiffin emphasized the missed opportunity, stating, “Going into the fourth quarter, you are up two scores at Georgia, the chance to beat Georgia two years in a row. Unfortunately, we did not function on offense after five drives and five touchdowns.”
The loss leaves Ole Miss with a record of 6-1 and 3-1 in the Southeastern Conference, putting a dent in their aspirations for the SEC title and College Football Playoff. This defeat also highlights the ongoing struggle for the Rebels, who remain 0-4 in road games against top-10 opponents under Kiffin.
Georgia, now at 6-1 and 4-1 in the SEC, amassed an impressive 510 yards of total offense, with a decisive fourth quarter that included a nine-play, 67-yard touchdown drive and a 10-play, 66-yard field goal drive, effectively sealing the game. Kiffin noted, “Usually you would think that you would be getting blown out if they score every time they have the ball. When you are in a game like that, those things happen and you have to keep scoring. We did not do that in the fourth quarter.”
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, making his first career FBS road start, began the game strong but struggled towards the end. He completed 18 of 26 passes for 262 yards but fell to just 1 of 10 in the pivotal fourth quarter. The Rebels could only gain 13 yards during their final 11 offensive snaps, leading to critical three-and-out possessions. Chambliss expressed regret, saying, “I just have to be better. I missed some throws that were crucial. I just have to be better in the fourth quarter.”
Looking ahead, Ole Miss faces another tough challenge as they prepare to take on No. 14 Oklahoma in a road matchup next week. The stakes are high for the Rebels, who must regroup quickly to maintain their aspirations for a successful season.
This heartbreaking defeat serves as a reminder of the intense competition in college football and the razor-thin margins that can determine victory or defeat. Fans are left wondering how Kiffin will rally his team after such a disappointing finish against a ranked opponent.
