Georgia Bulldogs vs. Ole Miss Rebels Expert Score Predictions: A College Football Playoff rematch that the fans deserve
Georgia Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels have changed completely since they played last, but Kirby Smart is likely the ultimate difference
The Georgia Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels face off in what should be an extremely exciting rematch in the quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff.
Kirby Smart and his Georgia Bulldogs did defeat the Ole Miss Rebels 43-35 in Athens, Georgia the first time they faced this season, but a lot has changed since then. Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU. Georgia finally figured out how to rush the passer. The Rebels defense completely turned it around, allowing an average of 13 points per game in their last five (as opposed to 43 against Georgia).
Considering the incredible national championship implications and what this could mean for both programs, media members from A to Z Sports who cover both teams decided to weigh in, predicting a winner. The picks are in. Enjoy!
Key Stats for Georgia vs. Ole Miss College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
- After Georgia logged just eight sacks through over half the regular season, but then the Bulldogs racked up a dozen sacks and increased their pass rush pressure rate by nearly 50% in their final five games
- Ole Miss went from having a bottom half FBS defense in the middle portion of the season to limiting four straight opponents to less than 360 yards and holding six straight opponents to 26 points or fewer
- Rebels QB Trinidad Chambliss finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting thanks to his 26 touchdowns scored in just 10 regular season starts as perhaps the best dual threat quarterback in the country
- Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton and the Georgia passing attack surprisingly ranks 13th in pass success rate on the season
Georgia 31, Ole Miss 27
These two teams are nowhere near the same entities that faced off in Athens two months ago. However, the Ole Miss offense is still as potent as ever despite the loss of Lane Kiffin. Georgia’s offense is still efficient through the air thanks to the development of Gunner Stockton at quarterback and his growing chemistry with his offensive weapons. And most importantly, Kirby Smart is still the head coach of Georgia. The Rebels likely have the talents in place to beat Georgia. Trinidad Chambliss is one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country. Kewan Lacy should have been in the Heisman mix himself at running back. The defense continues to getter for the Rebels. Unfortunately, the Georgia Bulldogs are getting hot at just the right time. They destroyed both Texas and Alabama (35-10 and 28-7, respectively). Their defense hasn’t allowed more than 10 points since the first week of November. And again, Kirby Smart just finds a way in big games. Slight edge to Georgia here, but it’s close. – Travis May, A to Z Sports CFB & NFL Draft Managing Editor
Ole Miss 38, Georgia 30
There are eight teams left in the College Football Playoff, and the quarterfinals give us one repeat matchup. Earlier this year, Ole Miss came really close to beating Georgia, but they couldn’t pull it off in a 43-35 loss in Athens. Both teams are different heading into this game, with the Rebels not having head coach Lane Kiffin and the Bulldogs being much more cohesive on offense. Even with how these teams are different, the matchup doesn’t feel that way. Can the Bulldogs defense get enough stops on a Rebels offense that can put up points on anyone? They needed to score 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to win the first matchup, and the Rebels won’t allow that to happen a second time, as the long layoff will spell disaster for the Bulldogs. Ole Miss 38, Georgia 30. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida
Georgia 38, Ole Miss 23
Ole Miss managed to win their first round matchup against Tulane without head coach Lane Kiffin, but Georgia is just a different animal. With both quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and star running back Kewan Lacy both banged up, it feels like a tough matchup going up against an improving Georgia front seven. If linebacker CJ Allen can help to slow down the running game, this Rebel offense feels like one that could struggle to consistently win the football. The Ole Miss defense has been solid at times, but it is very beatable. Look for Georgia running back Nate Frazier to make several big plays, and eventually come out with a decisive victory. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
Georgia 29, Ole Miss 27
Georgia may be the best team in college football that no one is talking about. I’m all for the Cinderella story of Ole Miss winning without Lane Kiffin. Plus, it would be hilarious to see the look on his smug face if this happens. However, there isn’t a way this team can beat Georgia, given that they did at times struggle with Tulane. Ole Miss’ offense can be very good, but we also know that Georgia’s defense is playing at an elite level right now. When you match the two sides against one another, the more balanced team has to win. Not to mention, Georgia has the best coach remaining left in the College Football Playoff, and he knows how to win these types of games. Give me Georgia. – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma
Final Score Predictions for Georgia vs. Ole Miss
The A to Z Sports staff is fairly torn on this College Football Playoff outcome. On average, our staff projects that Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs win a close game somewhere around a final score of 32-29 over the Lane Kiffin-less Ole Miss Rebels. Pete Golding and company have a fun offense led by QB Trinidad Chambliss and RB Kewan Lacy, but they just don’t have the complete roster to go toe to toe with the latest iteration of the Georgia Bulldogs.
We’ll be back with more Georgia Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
