Defense Shines as No. 16 Ole Miss Defeats No. 3 Georgia

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Jaxson Dart and the No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels (8-2, 4-2 Southeastern Conference) defeated the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (7-2, 5-2) at home 28-10 on Nov. 9. On the offensive side of the ball, Dart was spectacular. Dart completed 13-of-22 passes for 199 yards and 1 touchdown to go with 1 interception. But Dart also had 8 rushes for 50 yards. This one was never close as Dart and the Rebels led 16-7 going into the half, and never looked back for the victory.

Game Summary

This game started pretty fast as Dart threw an interception on the third play of the game and suddenly the Bulldogs were in business.

The Bulldogs quickly went 7 plays, 21 yards for the touchdown as running back Nate Frazier ran it in from 2 yards out on fourth-and-goal. And it was 7-0 Bulldogs early in the first quarter.

But the Rebels said not so fast as on the ensuing drive, they went 10 plays, 75 yards for the tying touchdown as running back Ulysses Bentley IV ran it in from 9 yards out and it was 7-7.

The Rebels got field goals on their next three possessions from kicker Caden Davis, as the Bulldogs punted on their next three possessions, and it was 16-7 Rebels heading into the half.

The Bulldogs opened the second half by going 9 plays, 70 yards and settled for a 23-yard field goal from kicker Peyton Woodring, and it was a 16-10 Rebels lead.

But again, the Bulldogs defense could not make a stop, and the Rebels went down the field in 8 plays, 75 yards for the touchdown. Dart found WR Antwane Wells Jr. for the 10-yard score and it was 22-10 Rebels as they went for two and did not convert.

The Rebels kicked two more field goals in the fourth quarter and closed this one out with a 28-10 victory over the top-ranked Bulldogs.

Turning Point for Ole Miss

The true turning point of this game was when the Bulldogs were down 22-10 late third quarter and were driving the field heading into the fourth quarter.

Carson Beck got the Bulldogs offense down to the Ole Miss 27-yard line but threw an interception on fourth-and-10 with 7:22 to go and that sealed the game.

The Bulldogs never got close to scoring again after this drive that resulted in a turnover.

What It Means for Each Team

For the Bulldogs, this one is a tough pill to swallow. They came into this game as the favorite and even took the 7-0 lead, but the offense was not consistent enough and needs to find answers. Next up, they face the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers (7-1, 4-1) at 7:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 16 from Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium on ABC.

For the Rebels, what a win for them. Upsetting a top-ranked Bulldogs team and getting a huge victory, especially in the SEC standings, is great. Up next for them, they have a bye week.