The Ole Miss Rebels’ offense will be a significant challenge for the Georgia Bulldogs’ defense. This matchup for Georgia against Ole Miss has elements that the Bulldog defense have not seen this season. UGA has not seen an offense this explosive.
Here are three reasons why this offense can cause headaches for this Bulldog team.
Jaxson Dart
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart poses a threat that the Bulldogs have not seen all season. Dart leads the nation with 3,210 passing yards. Dart still has the ability to leave the pocket and create a positive gain with his legs. Head coach Kirby Smart knows what is in front of his defense this Saturday.
“He’s playing at a really high level. He sees things well. I think he, Lane (Kiffin) and the offensive staff are further along. They know what they’re looking for. They know when you get in something, what beats that, and they know how to attack it. He’s just a proven winner, and he’s a fierce competitor. He’s hard to stop,” Smart said.
Dart’s elite play has propelled the Ole Miss passing offense to the top of the nation and Rebels have the second-best total offense at 555 yards per game. Much of that success is thanks to Dart, whose contributions have been crucial. If the Bulldogs hope to walk away with a win, then they’ll need to contain Dart and slow down the Rebels’ high-powered offense in Oxford this Saturday.
Receiver Core
Ole Miss receiver Tre Harris leads the charge for the Rebels with 987 yards, ranking third in the nation and first in the SEC. Harris is questionable to play with an injury.
Receiver Jordan Watkins stepped up in a big way last week against Arkansas, racking up 250 yards and scoring five touchdowns. Adding to the firepower, Antwane “Juice” Wells brings familiarity with Georgia from his time at South Carolina. This trio will challenge the UGA secondary all game long.
“They’ve got several draft pick receivers that are good players,” Smart said.
Having three options that can win in any situation is tough to cover especially with a home crowd that is waiting for a big play to happen.
Lane Kiffin
Lane Kiffin as averaged the sixth best total offense for the Rebels since arriving in Oxford in 2020. Kirby Smart knows the challenge that Kiffin brings as a play caller.
“He knows scheme. Lane (Kiffin) has been around a lot of football. His dad is one of the greatest defensive minds there ever was. He knows how to attack defenses probably at a higher rate than most offensive coordinators. He’s been experienced with that. He knows the difficulties that come with it,” Smart said.