Georgia’s run game defines Ole Miss matchup

Georgia heads to Ole Miss for a top-10 SEC road matchup after a major rivalry win, and the clearest path for the Bulldogs runs through the ground game. The Rebels rank 13th in the SEC in rushing defense, allowing 148.9 yards per game.

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is the obvious concern for Georgia. Bulldogs fans saw his playmaking against the Red and Black in the Sugar Bowl, when his clutch performance pushed him into the Heisman race, but Ole Miss presents more than a one-player test.

The Rebels have also struggled to run consistently, with All-SEC tailback Kewan Lacey’s injury contributing to the problem. Ole Miss produced a season-high 224 rushing yards against Auburn last week, but Chambliss supplied 65 of those yards by scrambling.

The Bulldogs must control the conventional rushing attack without losing track of Chambliss when he leaves the pocket. Sound tackling and disciplined pass-rush lanes can keep pressure attempts from creating open running space for the quarterback.

On offense, Georgia can test a vulnerable Ole Miss run defense and avoid making the game more complicated than necessary. Sustained rushing success would help Georgia limit possessions and keep Chambliss from receiving extra opportunities.

Selling out against the designed run can create escape lanes, while reckless pursuit of Chambliss can turn a broken pass play into a significant gain.

Why it matters

Georgia is facing a top-10 SEC opponent on the road after a major rivalry win. Winning the rushing battle would help the Bulldogs control the matchup.

What to watch next

Georgia’s road game at Ole Miss will test whether the Bulldogs can run effectively while keeping Chambliss contained within disciplined pass-rush lanes.