Oxford Shocker: Ole Miss Shuts Down Georgia in 28-10 Upset
Oxford, Mississippi – What a weekend it was for college football fans! The rain came down over Oxford this morning, setting the stage for a dramatic NCAA showdown at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, where the 16th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels pulled off a stunning 28-10 victory against the No. 3 ranked Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
Under Overcast Skies and Drenched Fans
A dreary sky loomed over the packed stadium, which hosted a whopping 68,126 fans, many of whom wore plastic ponchos for protection against the elements. Despite the rain, spirits were high, and the excitement was palpable as the game kicked off. Georgia started strong, quickly scoring a touchdown on a 2-yard rush by Nate Frazier. It was a moment of joy that left the Georgia fans buzzing, but it turned out to be their team’s last hurrah.
Missed Opportunities for the Bulldogs
As the first half wore on, the Bulldogs’ offense seemed to falter. The usually reliable unit managed only a mere 69 total yards in the first half, and was sacked twice. It’s becoming a theme for Georgia this season: sluggish starts. The crowd felt the tension as team offense struggled to find its footing, trailing 16-7 by halftime after a near-silent second quarter.
The second half began with a flicker of hope for Georgia as they moved the ball into Ole Miss territory. Yet, miscues haunted them as they were forced to settle for a 23-yard field goal. The Bulldogs fought valiantly, but crucial turnovers and penalties kept stalling their progress. An unfortunate fumble by Frazier proved costly as Ole Miss quickly capitalized on the blunder.
Rebels Run Away with the Game
Meanwhile, Ole Miss was ready to seize the day. Starting quarterback Jaxson Dart left the game early due to injury, but his backup, Austin Simmons, stepped in and helped the Rebels find the end zone. With a solid performance, Simmons guided the offense, and they added another touchdown on a powerful run from Ulysses Bentley IV. Dart eventually returned, but it was Simmons’ leadership that helped build a significant lead.
As the rain picked back up, so did Ole Miss’s offense. A touchdown from Antwane Wells Jr. extended the Rebels’ lead to an insurmountable 22-10. Georgia’s fight was valiant, but impressive defensive plays from Ole Miss thwarted every comeback they attempted. The crowd erupted as Ole Miss ensured their first victory against a Top-5 team since Lane Kiffin took the helm.
Georgia’s Struggles on Display
Unfortunately for Georgia, this loss raised more questions than answers. Quarterback Carson Beck had a rough outing, finishing the game with 185 yards, one interception, and a fumble. His 12 interceptions in the last six games are becoming a growing concern, leading critics to wonder if it’s time for a shakeup in the Bulldogs’ offensive lineup. Receivers struggled as well, with a staggering 28 drops on the season—the highest in the FBS.
With a challenging SEC schedule still ahead, Georgia needs to find a way to regroup and address these issues if they hope to contend for a playoff spot. Eyes will be on Coach Kirby Smart and his squad as they look to bounce back against tough rivals in the coming weeks. The weight of expectations grows heavier, and the repercussions from this defeat will echo in the locker room for days to come.
Looking Ahead
As the rain finally let up over Oxford, the team scandal was a distant memory. Ole Miss celebrated a monumental victory that they’ll cherish for years to come, while Georgia must pick up the pieces moving forward. Residents of Mississippi surely have a lot to be jubilant about in the days ahead, while Bulldog fans are left hoping for a turnaround. Keep those spirits high, folks – there’s still plenty more college football to be played this season!
