Tag: Ole Miss Football

Ole Miss officially has a squirrel problem after yet another game delay

The Ole Miss squirrels are back.

The squirrels are taking over The Grove.

During Ole Miss’ home stand against Georgia on Saturday, a squirrel ran onto the field to delay the contest until it scurried off to the sideline.

While it’s always adorable to see a squirrel running around on a football field, it’s wild because this is the second time this has happened at Ole Miss in a matter of weeks.

What are the squirrels trying to tell us? Is there a squirrel invasion afoot in Mississippi? Can Ole Miss check one of these squirrels’ NCAA eligibility to see if they could play?

We’re not sure what’s going on with the squirrels at Ole Miss on game day, but we’re very curious to see if this continues.

Feature image courtesy of ESPN. 

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‘College GameDay’ predicts winner of Georgia-Ole Miss game

The ESPN College GameDay crew predict is split on their Georgia at Ole Miss predictions

The ESPN “College GameDay” crew had a lot to say about No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs traveling to No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels.

Desmond Howard claimed that Ole Miss defense will create turnovers and cash them in for the upset for the Rebels.

Nick Saban said, “Jaxon Dart is a great player but hasn’t always stepped up in big moments for his team. He also called Georgia’s front seven the best in the country.” Saban went ahead and took Georgia with his pick.

Lee Corso claims the Ole Miss will upset Georgia due to their new and improved front seven, which leads the nation in sacks.

Pat Mcafee without any question took Georgia as soon it was his turn to pick.

Celebrity guest pickers, MLB rising star Paul Skenes and NCAA champion gymnast Livvy Dunne, predict that Georgia will defeat Ole Miss.

Kirk Herbstreit offers his insight that when Georgia is questioned or doubted is when the Bulldogs play their best. Herbstreit went on to pick Georgia to win.

No. 3 Georgia and No. 16 Ole Miss plays at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

National media predicts winner of Georgia at Ole Miss

Media predicts who wins, covers in the Georgia versus Ole Miss football game

The No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (7-1, 5-1) hit the road to play the No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels (7-2, 3-2) in an SEC clash with College Football Playoff implications. The Georgia-Ole Miss game will be played on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on ABC.

Georgia enters the Ole Miss game as three-point favorites. The Bulldogs are coming off a 34-20 win over Florida. Ole Miss looked impressive in a 63-31 win over Arkansas last week.

Members of the media are split on which team will cover the spread, but most of the media has Georgia winning.

National media predictions for Georgia at Ole Miss

“As Kiffin pointed out this week, Georgia has beaten everyone in its path not named Alabama since the COVID-19 season. The Rebels have added impact transfers and can make explosive plays, but their strength of schedule is 51st by Sagarin. The Bulldogs’ defense slows down Dart and Rebels,” said Marc Weiszer of Athens Banner-Herald.

Weiszer has the Georgia covering the spread and winning. He’s smart to point out that Ole Miss’ stats are probably a little inflated.

Prediction: Georgia 31, Ole Miss 24

SEC Mike of “That SEC Podcast” predicts Ole Miss will narrowly beat Georgia. Ole Miss would become the first team to beat Georgia, outside of Alabama, since 2020.

Prediction: Ole Miss 27, Georgia 26

Cousin Shane of “That SEC Podcast” predicts Georgia will win, but not cover against Ole Miss. Georgia did not cover in its win over Florida last week.

Prediction: Georgia 28, Ole Miss 27

Athens-Banner Herald

“Because of Georgia’s recent success — as in recent years — you could be forgiven for immediately saying UGA wins. Carson Beck, though, is trying to shake a pretty terrible two-game stretch.” said David Kenyon of Bleacher Report.

Kenyon has Georgia covering and winning, but thinks the warning signs are there for Carson Beck to have another bad game.

Prediction: Georgia 27, Ole Miss 20

Our prediction

Ole Miss is going to fight like crazy against Georgia. The Rebels’ playoff hopes are on the line, but I think Georgia has just enough to get the job done. I think Georgia’s pass rush and defensive line will be the difference against the Ole Miss offensive front.

Prediction: Georgia 23, Ole Miss 21

Overall prediction tally

Four of the five writers have Georgia winning, but only two have Georgia winning and covering the three-point spread.

Georgia wins: 4

Ole Miss wins: 1

Georgia-Ole Miss injury report

Georgia Bulldogs football injury report ahead of UGA’s game against the Ole Miss Rebels

The Georgia Bulldogs will be without four players against the Ole Miss Rebels. The Georgia-Ole Miss game is at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 9.

For a second straight week, Georgia will be without primary punt returner Anthony Evans. Georgia safety Malaki Starks started in Evans’ place last week against Florida.

“We’re hopeful to get those guys back is the biggest thing,” said Kirby Smart on Roderick Robinson, Smael Mondon and Anthony Evans. “I don’t know at one point it’s going to happen. But each one of those guys are rehabbing, working their butts off and hoping to get back to help the team soon.”

Georgia starting offensive lineman Tate Ratledge and starting running back Trevor Etienne (ribs) are not listed on the injury report and are expected to play against Ole Miss. Georgia is down a pair of running backs in Branson Robinson and Roderick Robinson. The Dawgs had a surprising name pop up on the injury report: offensive guard Micah Morris, who missed time against Florida.

Georgia defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, who is a former five-star recruit, is out for the season.

Georgia injury report

Georgia Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne is not on the SEC availability report. Melina Myers-Imagn Images
  • RB Roderick Robinson: Out (toe)
  • RB Branson Robinson: Out (knee)
  • WR Anthony Evans: Out (hamstring)
  • DL Joseph Jonah-Ajonye: Out (leg)
  • LB Smael Mondon: Questionable (foot)
  • OL Micah Morris: Questionable
  • WR Colbie Young: Suspended indefinitely
  • DL Jordan Hall: Probable (legs)

Ole Miss injury report

Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Tre Harris is doubtful to play. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
  • WR Izaiah Hartrup: Out
  • RB Henry Parrish: Out
  • RB Logan Diggs: Out
  • RB Matt Jones: Doubtful
  • WR Tre Harris: Doubtful
  • WR Jordan Watkins: Questionable
  • WR Cayden Lee: Questionable
  • OL Jayden Williams: Questionable
  • OL Caleb Warren: Questionable
  • CB Cedrick Beavers: Probable
  • DE Jared Ivey: Probable
  • Safety Yam Banks: Probable
  • Safety Jadon Canady: Probable
  • OL Jeremy James: Probable
  • TE Caden Prieskorn: Probable

The SEC will release updated injury reports 90 minutes before kickoff.

What the media is saying ahead of Georgia-Ole Miss

Several media outlets share their opinions on Georgia Bulldogs football ahead of their game at Ole Miss

Throughout the season, the Georgia Bulldogs have been a massive talking point for any college sports show. Georgia is 7-1 and atop the SEC, but many folks are wondering about their staying power as SEC champions.

Georgia has a loss to No. 11 Alabama (6-2) and close wins against Kentucky (3-6), Mississippi State (2-7) and Florida (4-4).

Much of the media buzz has been around Carson Beck, who has struggled mightily with six interceptions in his last two games. A great deal of praise has been given to the defensive side of the ball: KJ Bolden, Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker have gained recognition.

Ahead of the 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday, here are some media takes about Georgia or the matchup between UGA and Ole Miss:

Paul Finebaum believes this game is big for Lane Kiffin

Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Via the DawgNation podcast, Paul Finebaum gave his thoughts on the game, hinting this will be a referendum on Lane Kiffin’s career.

“Ultimately, I think this is the biggest game of Lane Kiffin’s career. He has a chance to come closer to punching his ticket to the College Football Playoff, or letting it all slip away. You’re going to hear about this in the game in Baton Rouge, but this is really about the opportunity for Ole Miss.”

Uncle Lou on Bleacher Report shares opinion on Carson Beck

On Bleacher Report, Uncle Lou went on his show to discuss the Bulldogs, and he had an interesting take on Carson Beck.

“The turnovers are obviously a problem. You just can’t talk about Georgia without addressing it. It’s just mind numbing, and it’s hard to understand why. It’s like a golfer with the yips. If you look at him last year, there’s a reason why every single top returning quarterback list anyone put out had Carson Beck on it. There’s a reason why he was considered a top-10 pick, potentially No. 1! But he’s far from that now, looking at third- or fourth-round pick. He might be the worst quarterback in the SEC.”

SI names Georgia players to watch

Jackson Harris of Sports Illustrated named some Georgia players that could have a big impact on the Ole Miss game.

Wide receiver Dillon Bell

“Bell is a do-it-all player for the Georgia Bulldogs, lining up in the backfield, slot, and out wide with the ability to hit a big play every time he gets the ball.”

Safety Malaki Starks

“The strong safety for the Dawgs is one of the leaders of this defense, and he has been all over the field to start 2024. Starks tallied two tackles for loss in the loss to Alabama but was a key part of the victory in Austin, racking up seven total tackles and one TFL.”

Linebacker Jalon Walker

“Walker was a man amongst boys in the win over Texas, tallying three sacks and absolutely harassing the Longhorn offensive line. The Rebels offensive line hasn’t been great but has improved in pass protection in the past two weeks. To really have a chance on Saturday, however, the Rebels need to find a running game.”

UGA vs. Ole Miss series history

Georgia Bulldogs versus Ole Miss Rebels football series history: Dawgs on top

The Georgia Bulldogs lead the all-time series history over the Ole Miss Rebels 33-13-1. Georgia has won 11 of the last 12 meetings in the series, but the Bulldogs did not win their last trip to Oxford.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is 1-1 in his career against Ole Miss with his only loss to the Rebels coming in 2016. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is 0-1 against Georgia.

Let’s take a look back at some of the recent meetings between the two SEC foes.

Nov. 11, 2023 – Georgia 52, Ole Miss 17

Georgia entered as the No. 1 team, facing a top-10 ranked Ole Miss. Georgia controlled the game from start to finish, with quarterback Carson Beck delivering a standout performance, throwing four passing touchdowns. The Bulldogs’ defense effectively limited Ole Miss’ rushing leader Quinshon Judkins and forced multiple turnovers.

Judkins scored two rushing touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to stop Georgia’s dominant offense. This victory continued Georgia’s long winning streak and strengthened their College Football Playoff hopes​.

Sept. 24, 2016 – Ole Miss 45, Georgia 14 

Ole Miss achieved a major victory over Georgia, with quarterback Chad Kelly showcasing his skills by passing for 282 yards and three total touchdowns. Ole Miss took an early lead with three first half touchdowns and built a commanding 31-0 halftime advantage over Kirby Smart and Georgia.

The Rebels’ defense held Georgia scoreless until the fourth quarter, where the Bulldogs scored twice but remained far behind. This game snapped a 10-game losing streak for Ole Miss against Georgia, though the result was later vacated due to NCAA sanctions.​

​Nov. 3, 2012 – Georgia 37, Ole Miss 10 

Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Tavarres King celebrates a touchdown in the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Sanford Stadium. Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia pulled away in the second half after being down 10-0 early to Ole Miss. Quarterback Aaron Murray threw for 384 yards, leading a scoring surge that saw Georgia outscore Ole Miss 37-0 after the Rebels’ early advantage. The Bulldogs’ defense tightened up, intercepting passes and shutting down Ole Miss for the rest of the game. Georgia won at home to maintain its lead in the SEC East race​.

Sept. 24, 2011 – Georgia 27, Ole Miss 13 

Georgia overcame a slow start with running back Isaiah Crowell and quarterback Aaron Murray leading the way offensively. Crowell’s rushing and Murray’s passing helped Georgia establish a lead, while their defense contained Ole Miss, which struggled to find momentum on offense.

Georgia held a 17-7 halftime lead and maintained control in the second half. The game secured Georgia’s first conference win of the season, and the Bulldogs gained momentum toward a strong SEC finish.

What Lane Kiffin said about facing Georgia

Ole Miss Rebels coach Lane Kiffin explains Georgia’s situation with quarterback Carson Beck: “It’s a good problem to have.”

Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin has had Saturday’s matchup with the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs circled on his calendar for a long time. Kiffin and Ole Miss lost to Georgia 52-17 in Athens a year ago. Kiffin vowed to change things within his program following the Rebels’ humbling loss to Georgia last season.

Now, No. 16 Ole Miss (7-2, 3-2) faces Georgia (7-1, 5-1) with its College Football Playoff hopes on the line at home. Kiffin has a lot of respect for Georgia and head coach Kirby Smart.

“Anybody that’s going to win it (the playoff), it’s going to have to go through Georgia at some point. They’re the premier program in college football. You know, outside of Alabama, they won 51 straight games,” said Kiffin. Georgia’s last loss, outside of Alabama, came to Florida in 2020.

Kiffin and Ole Miss beefed up their defensive front and other areas of their roster in the offseason in preparation for playing teams like Georgia. The Rebels have the third-best scoring defense in the SEC at 13.2 points per game and the SEC’s top rushing defense at only 82.2 yards per game.

“I hope so,” said Kiffin when asked if the Rebels roster is better this season versus last season. “You know, that game didn’t go very well a year ago. But every game is independent and different, so yeah, I think we’re in a better place.”

Ole Miss’ season has not gone exactly to plan with the Rebels suffering losses to LSU and Kentucky. Still, Ole Miss has a very strong team that will be much more competitive against Georgia this season.

“I think he is very talented, played great, played an amazing game against us a year ago,” said Kiffin on Georgia quarterback Carson Beck. “You know, he’s throwing some picks, but quarterbacks go through that.”

Beck has thrown 11 interceptions over his past five games. Georgia’s offense has remained effective despite Beck’s turnover issues.

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“You got a great quarterback, versus some people around the country who say ‘okay, well they protect the ball but the quarterback can’t make the throws.’ So it’s a good problem to have,” continued Kiffin on Beck, who is still the No. 15 quarterback in the country in passing yardage with 2,302 yards.

Georgia plays Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 9.

Georgia RB depth is a major concern against Ole Miss

The Georgia Bulldogs could be without three of their top running backs against Ole Miss

Georgia Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne left the Florida game with a rib injury that sidelined him for the rest of the game. With his injury, the running back group is down to two backs that have played meaningful snaps.

Nate Frazier and Cash Jones helped the Bulldogs leave Jacksonville with a win. Frazier accounted for 82 yards on the ground with a touchdown. Jones added three receptions for 37 yards and touchdown.

Georgia already had depth concerns at running back before Etienne’s injury during the Florida game. Now, the concern moves to the Bulldogs’ game against No. 12 Ole Miss. During the Monday presser, coach Kirby Smart updated the status of Etienne.

“(Trevor) Etienne, I feel good about. He felt good yesterday and did some things yesterday with our guys. I don’t know a lot until we get out there and practice today, but we’ll certainly see how he feels, if the trainer feels good about him. The big thing is just his ability to sustain and deal with a little bit of pain because he’s going to have some there. But he’s a tough kid, and I think he’ll do well with it,” Smart said.

With the way Smart was talking, it seemed Etienne is good to go, but pain tolerance may be a concern. Another player in the running back room that is still injured is Roderick Robinson. Robinson who has been out since the beginning of the season due to turf toe injury that required surgery. Smart updated his status and a couple of his teammates before the game on Saturday.

“We’re hopeful to get those guys back is the biggest thing. I don’t know at one point it’s going to happen. But each one of those guys are rehabbing, working their butts off and hoping to get back to help the team soon,” Smart said.

There are still some things Robinson has to do to get back on the field for the Bulldogs this season. Georgia is also without running back Branson Robinson, who suffered a knee injury a few weeks ago. If Etienne is ready to go against Ole Miss, expect a heavy workload for him, Frazier and Jones to relieve pressure on Carson Beck in the hostile environment of Oxford. Georgia could also give a few more carries to Dwight Phillips.

TV, commentators set for Georgia-Ole Miss game

The Georgia Bulldogs play the Ole Miss Rebels in a battle of two top-15 SEC teams on Saturday

The No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs play the No. 12 Ole Miss Rebels at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Oxford, Mississippi. The Georgia-Ole Miss game will be televised on ABC.

The television commentators for the Georgia-Mississippi game are Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Molly McGrath (sideline).

Georgia is 7-1 (5-1 SEC), but it did not exactly look like a national championship contender in the 34-20 win over Florida.

Ole Miss is 7-2 (3-2 SEC). The Rebels are coming off their best offensive game of the season, an impressive 63-31 win at Arkansas.

Kirby Smart thinks the Rebels could be undefeated.

“Tremendous team that really should probably be undefeated. At the end of the day, they’ve had two really, really close games. Both games that they could have easily won,” said Smart.

Georgia has had turnover issues, and those can’t continue if the Bulldogs want to defeat Ole Miss. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck needs to be a little sharper in this one.

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Last year, Georgia beat Ole Miss, 52-17, in Athens, but this game looks like it will be totally different than the 2023 edition.

Greg Sankey gives strict warning to SEC head coaches over ‘feigned injury nonsense’

SEC commisioner Greg Sankey is fed up with the uptick in ‘feigned injuries’ in SEC play this season

The 2024 SEC football season has been chaotic, to say the least. Texas A&M (7-1, 5-0 SEC) currently leads the conference amid head coach Mike Elko’s first season with the program, while Ole Miss has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons as of late.

On Friday, the issue of “fake injuries” came back into the fold after several occurrences during SEC play, specifically under the watch of Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. However, none of this can be proven, as injuries in any form result in a free timeout.

However, from the handful of questionable injuries we’ve seen throughout conference play, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has had enough, calling out the problem in a newly leaked memo reported by ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg while outlining several new punishments, including fines and even public reprimands for the coaches and players involved if the problem continues.

While the memo felt like a personal grievance from both a commissioner’s point of view and a general fan of the game, Sankey ended his thoughts with a final warning to the league:

“Play football and stop with the feigned injury nonsense.”

Overall, “feigned” or “fake” injuries have been an eye score for every fan base who wants to see a clean game, but it’s not like this hasn’t been a problem in the past, so we’ll now wait and see if Sankey’s warning has any effect.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.