Georgia faces Ole Miss in Oxford rubber match

No. 2 Georgia heads to Oxford after beating rival Florida, with No. 10 Ole Miss waiting Saturday night for the programs’ third meeting in two seasons. The Bulldogs and Rebels split the first two, setting up another matchup at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

Georgia won the first meeting 43-35 in Athens after overcoming a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Ole Miss answered on New Year’s Day in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, rallying from a 21-12 halftime deficit behind quarterback Trinidad Chambliss for a 39-34 victory.

Oxford has been a difficult stop for Georgia under Kirby Smart. Smart is 0-2 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, including a 28-10 loss in 2024, while Ole Miss enters this game with a 15-game home winning streak.

Containing Chambliss is the central assignment for Georgia’s defense. Smart praised the quarterback’s accuracy, quick release, anticipation and ability to make sound decisions from one down to the next, while pointing to Chambliss’ extensive playing experience before he arrived at Ole Miss.

The Bulldogs have the statistical profile to create pressure if they can keep Chambliss contained. Georgia ranks ninth in run defense at 86 yards per game, seventh with 26 sacks, 21st with 55 tackles for loss and 16th with a 19.4% havoc rate.

Georgia also has an opening to improve its passing production against an Ole Miss defense ranked 101st against the pass at 235 yards per game. Quarterback Gunner Stockton averages 246 passing yards against Ole Miss and has accounted for eight total touchdowns in those matchups.

DawgNation also reported that wide receiver Isaiah Canion appears set to return from injury. The Georgia Tech transfer has not played since catching three passes for 28 yards against Arkansas on Sept. 19.

Why it matters

Georgia must contain Trinidad Chambliss while trying to end Ole Miss’ 15-game home winning streak. The Bulldogs’ pass rush can pressure Chambliss, while Stockton faces the 101st-ranked pass defense.

What to watch next

No. 2 Georgia plays No. 10 Ole Miss on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.