A highly anticipated matchup between No. 2 Georgia and No. 10 Ole Miss is set for this Saturday, marking the fifth consecutive season these two programs have met while holding rankings in the AP Poll. The rivalry has deep roots, with the Bulldogs leading the all-time series 34-14-1. However, the last two meetings have been defined by dramatic finishes and high scoring, with both teams demonstrating the ability to overcome significant deficits.
Last season provided a compelling narrative for fans of both programs. In their first meeting, Georgia staged a remarkable comeback, erasing a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit to outscore Ole Miss 17-0 in the final period for a 43-35 victory. The Rebels sought and found redemption later that year in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Sugar Bowl. There, Ole Miss defeated Georgia 39-34, with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss delivering a performance that ended the Bulldogs' campaign.
The stakes for this weekend's contest are considerable for both sides. Georgia, which debuted at No. 2 in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season, enters the game with a clear objective. A victory would significantly solidify their position and improve their chances of advancing to the SEC Championship game. The Bulldogs have shown resilience against elite competition, and a win here would serve as a major statement in the conference title race.
For Ole Miss, the situation is more precarious. Sitting at No. 10, the Rebels are on the edge of losing an at-large bid to the playoffs. A loss in this game would mark their third defeat in SEC play, effectively ending their hopes for the conference title. Such a result would force them to win their remaining games and rely on other teams to lose in order to return to the playoff picture. The pressure is on to perform at home and extend their recent success against Georgia.
Head coach Kirby Smart of Georgia has a strong historical track record against ranked opponents. During his tenure in Athens, Smart is 44-18 against AP-ranked teams, a record that ranks as the fifth-best in AP Poll history among head coaches with a minimum of 20 such games. Notably, his team has won six of their last seven games against ranked opponents, with the sole exception being last season's playoff loss to Ole Miss. This consistency against top-tier competition suggests the Bulldogs are well-prepared for this challenge.
The spotlight will also be on Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who is in a position to tie a school record. Chambliss has thrown for at least one touchdown in 21 consecutive games. If he adds another touchdown pass against Georgia this weekend, he will tie former Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly for the most consecutive games with a scoring pass in program history, a mark of 22. His performance will be crucial in keeping the offense efficient and competitive against Georgia's defense.
The game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the action at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi, or tune in via the ABC television network. A live stream will also be available through Fubo. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as both teams aim to secure a pivotal victory in their respective seasons.
Predictions for the game suggest another high-scoring affair, similar to the two games played last year. While Ole Miss has experienced some offensive struggles this season, those issues have predominantly occurred on the road. At home, the Rebels have played with greater consistency. Additionally, Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton has a history of performing well in high-pressure situations. Based on these factors, the projected total points for the game is set at an over of 56.5.
