For the third time this season, the College Football Playoff will feature a rematch as No. 6 Ole Miss and No. 3 Georgia prepare to clash in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal. Their first encounter in Athens saw Georgia rally for a dramatic 43-35 victory, scoring 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Both teams have remained undefeated since that matchup, with Georgia showcasing a formidable performance in the latter half of the season.
Ole Miss has faced significant turmoil recently, marked by Lane Kiffin’s departure to LSU. Despite the surrounding drama, the Rebels displayed focus and determination by decisively beating Tulane 41-10 in their first-round game, signaling that they have not lost their competitive edge. As they gear up for the Sugar Bowl, they seek revenge for their only loss of the season against a Georgia team that has been in top form.
This thrilling matchup raises questions about Georgia’s preparedness following a four-week layoff and whether Ole Miss can capitalize on what they learned from their earlier loss. Fans are eager to see whether the Bulldogs will emerge refreshed or rusty and if the Rebels can equal or surpass their previous performance.
The game takes place on January 1, at 8 p.m. ET in Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, and will be broadcast on ESPN.
Key players to watch include Trinidad Chambliss, the Ole Miss quarterback, who initially excelled but faltered in the crucial moments of the first game. His ability to maintain consistency will be vital for Ole Miss. For Georgia, Gunner Stockton delivered an impressive performance in the first rematch, throwing for 289 yards and four touchdowns. He will be a key figure in the Bulldogs’ strategy, balancing solid running with effective passing as they aim to control the game’s tempo.
Ole Miss’s Kewan Lacy, a standout running back who accumulated 1,366 yards this season, must see more touches to help create offensive balance, particularly against Georgia’s strong defensive pressure. On the other side, Georgia’s C.J. Allen, an All-American linebacker, will be crucial in containing Lacy and minimizing Ole Miss’s offensive success.
Other vital players include Georgia’s Zachariah Branch, a game-changer in the passing game, and Ole Miss’s Wydett Williams Jr., who will look to create turnovers. The match promises to be intense, full of excitement as both teams seek to elevate their performance from the previous matchup.
While Ole Miss is confident in their offensive abilities, predictions suggest that Georgia’s superior form could give them the edge needed to secure victory. Observers believe the experience and level of play exhibited by the Bulldogs may ultimately lead to a comfortable win for Georgia in this highly anticipated clash.