Georgia Surges Past Ole Miss with 45-35 Victory in Thrilling Showdown
UPDATE: In a thrilling battle at Sanford Stadium on October 28, 2023, the No. 9 Georgia Bulldogs defeated No. 5 Ole Miss Rebels 45-35, showcasing a remarkable defensive turnaround in the fourth quarter. This victory solidifies Georgia’s status in the top tier of college football, improving their record to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in the SEC.
The game was an offensive spectacle, with both teams trading blows early on. Ole Miss started strong, scoring touchdowns on their first five possessions, but Georgia’s defense tightened when it mattered most, ultimately sealing the game in a gripping finish.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton led the Bulldogs with a career-high four touchdown passes, including a pivotal 7-yard strike to tight end Lawson Luckie with 7:29 remaining, giving Georgia a lead they would not relinquish. This crucial play followed Georgia’s first defensive stop of the game, a three-and-out that shifted momentum.
The Bulldogs added a 42-yard field goal from Peyton Woodring with just 2:06 left on the clock, pushing the score to 43-35. The Georgia defense then forced Ole Miss into a third consecutive three-and-out, solidifying their victory.
Georgia’s offensive statistics were impressive, outgaining Ole Miss 510 to 351 and holding a commanding time of possession advantage of 37:39 to 22:21. Stockton completed 26 of 31 passes for 289 yards while Georgia’s rushing attack amassed 221 yards on 49 attempts.
The game began with Georgia taking an early lead through a 51-yard field goal from Woodring, but Ole Miss quickly responded with a touchdown drive capped off by a 7-yard run from Trinidad Chambliss, putting them ahead 7-3.
In a back-and-forth contest, Georgia regained the lead with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Stockton to Luckie. However, Ole Miss answered back, with Kewan Lacy scoring on a 1-yard run to make it 14-10. The half ended with Georgia trailing by just one point after Woodring’s 35-yard field goal, making it 21-20 at halftime.
As the second half unfolded, Ole Miss struck quickly with a 75-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead to 28-21. Georgia fought back with a touchdown pass to Luckie, but the Rebels responded again, reaching a 35-26 lead by the end of the third quarter.
The final quarter saw Georgia’s defense finally step up, leading to the game-winning drive that showcased Stockton’s poise and Luckie’s skill. With this win, Georgia maintains their perfect home record against top-10 teams under head coach Kirby Smart, now at 8-0.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will take a week off before heading to Jacksonville for a highly anticipated matchup against Florida on November 1 at EverBank Stadium.
This victory not only boosts Georgia’s ranking but also sets the tone for the remainder of the season, as fans and analysts alike anticipate what’s next for this formidable team. Stay tuned for updates as the college football landscape continues to evolve!
