In less than 72 hours, Ole Miss Rebels and Georgia Bulldogs will kick off in perhaps the biggest football game in Ole Miss history.
The Rebels and the Bulldogs met a year ago in a game that went some way to shaping the Ole Miss roster in 2024. Lane Kiffin knew his team had to get better in the trenches, and on the defensive side of the ball, they did. It looks like the Rebels hang together on paper, but football games aren’t played on paper, so let’s take a look at the keys to an Ole Miss win this weekend.
In the game against Flordia, Carson Beck was 1-for-8 with three picks under pressure. If the Rebels can get after him, which they have done at a higher rate than any team in the country, Beck will make mistakes.
Protect Darts
On the back end, you have to take care of quarterback Jaxson Dart. This Georgia front seven is elite and can take over a game if you give them the opportunity; just ask Quinn Ewers in Texas. If the Rebels’ offensive line can give Dart time, he’s proven he can pick apart most in the country, and with the explosive pass catchers, he can turn that time into six points.
Be opportunistic
Turnovers and special teams will have a huge impact on this football game, if the Rebels can run on special teams while forcing Beck to make bad decisions, they can sneak the upset at home. The kicking game will be especially important as both defenses are two of the best in the country. Capitalizing on three points can be the difference between winning and losing.
The Rebs and the Dawgs kick off at 2:30pm CT on Saturday, and the game will be televised on ABC.
