After a thrilling 28-10 victory over the No. 11 Georgia Bulldogs, Ole Miss has made a significant statement in the college football landscape. This win marks a historic moment for the Rebels, lifting them to No. 11 in the Coaches Poll and No. 10 in the AP Poll. Wide receiver Jordan Watkins celebrated the occasion on Instagram, posting photos with the caption, “🐶☠️,” reflecting the team’s triumph over a formidable opponent.
Key Performers Shine in Victory
Watkins played a crucial role in this victory, making four catches for 68 yards. His performance was instrumental in helping Ole Miss secure its first top-five victory since the stunning upset against Alabama in 2015. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, who is now considered a Heisman contender, showcased his resilience by playing through an injured ankle. He took to social media to hype up his teammate, dubbing Watkins the “Knockdown King” in a two-word comment.
Despite battling an injury, Dart managed to outmaneuver Kirby Smart’s Georgia defense, keeping the Rebels competitive against a team that has been nearly unbeatable in recent years. His ability to perform under pressure was a key factor in the game, demonstrating his leadership and skill.
Defensive Strategy Paves the Way
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin finally secured a signature win that had eluded him in recent seasons. The victory over Georgia not only keeps the Rebels in the College Football Playoff (CFP) hunt but also highlights a significant turnaround in their defensive strategy. Kiffin discussed the game’s success on “The Dan Patrick Show,” revealing that revamping the defensive line was a pivotal focus in preparing for the Bulldogs.
This strategic shift was particularly important after last year’s disappointing performance, where the Rebels conceded a staggering 611 yards to Georgia. This season, however, Kiffin’s defense was a different beast, limiting the Bulldogs to just 246 total yards. The Rebels also managed to sack star quarterback Carson Beck five times, showcasing a dominant defensive effort.
The Turning Point of the Game
Kiffin emphasized the importance of adapting their approach to beat Georgia, stating, “We wanted to beat Georgia, so we went out … we changed the size of our line of scrimmages, the twitch of our (defensive ends) in order to pass rush against them.” This new strategy paid off, as the Bulldogs were held to a mere 10 points, with Beck finishing the game with only 186 passing yards and zero touchdowns.
This impressive turnaround firmly establishes the Rebels as a team to watch in the CFP race. Kiffin further noted, “Really outside of Alabama, nobody has beat Georgia since COVID. If you’re going to go win a championship, to me it’s got to go through Georgia, so you better build your team to be able to beat Georgia.”
Looking Ahead: Next Challenges for Ole Miss
With this victory, the Ole Miss Rebels are not just celebrating a win; they are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the college football landscape. Their next challenge awaits against the Florida Gators in Gainesville on November 23. This matchup will be crucial as the Rebels aim to maintain their momentum and continue their pursuit of a playoff berth.
The excitement surrounding Ole Miss football is palpable, and fans are eager to see how this team, led by Kiffin and fueled by the performances of players like Dart and Watkins, will fare in the coming weeks. Will they continue to build on this success? The college football world is watching closely.
As the season progresses, the stakes are higher than ever. The Rebels have proven they can compete with the best, and their recent victory over Georgia has set the stage for what could be a memorable finish to the season. With a blend of talent, strategy, and determination, Ole Miss is ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.
