UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the No. 5 Mississippi Rebels fell to No. 9 Georgia 43-35 in a heartbreaking loss on October 14, 2023. Coach Lane Kiffin and his team led by as much as nine points entering the fourth quarter but succumbed to a dominant Georgia performance that outscored them 17-0 in the final moments.
The Rebels came into the game with high hopes after defeating the Bulldogs in Oxford last season. However, despite a strong start, where they scored touchdowns on their first five possessions, Mississippi could not maintain their momentum. “Going into the fourth quarter, you are up two scores at Georgia, the chance to beat Georgia two years in a row. Unfortunately, we did not function on offense after five drives and five touchdowns,” Kiffin lamented post-game.
As the clock ticked down, Georgia unleashed a furious comeback, amassing 510 yards of total offense and scoring on every possession except for their final kneeldown. The Bulldogs executed a nine-play, 67-yard touchdown drive that shifted the momentum and a subsequent 10-play, 66-yard field goal drive that drained precious time off the clock.
Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, making his first career FBS road start, initially showcased his skills with 262 passing yards on 18 of 26 completions. However, he faltered in the fourth quarter, going just 1 of 10 and struggling as the Rebels gained only 13 yards on their last 11 offensive snaps. “I just have to be better. I missed some throws that were crucial,” Chambliss admitted, reflecting the weight of the moment.
Despite the setback, the Rebels (6-1, 3-1 SEC) still have aspirations for the SEC title and potential College Football Playoff berths. However, the fourth-quarter collapse underscores the challenges they face on the road, especially against top-10 opponents. Under Kiffin, the Rebels remain 0-4 in such high-stakes games.
Next week, Mississippi will look to rebound as they head to face another Top 25 opponent, No. 14 Oklahoma, in yet another crucial test. For Kiffin and his squad, the path to redemption will require a focus on maintaining their composure and offensive efficiency in critical moments.
This loss against Georgia emphasizes the urgent need for the Rebels to learn from their mistakes as they aim to keep their championship dreams alive. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season progresses.
