News Summary
Ole Miss football improved to 6-0 with a narrow 24-21 victory over Washington State at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Despite the win, the Rebels dropped one spot to No. 5 in the AP Top 25 rankings. Key performances came from running back Kewan Lacy and quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, while coach Lane Kiffin raised concerns about the team’s discipline. Looking ahead, Ole Miss prepares for a critical match against No. 9 Georgia, where they aim to enhance their performance amidst stiff competition in the SEC.
Oxford, Mississippi – Ole Miss football improved its season record to 6-0, narrowly securing a victory over Washington State with a final score of 24-21 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Despite the win, the Rebels fell to No. 5 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 rankings, dropping one spot after being listed as 32.5-point favorites before the game.
The match was marked by a series of turnovers and penalties, especially in the first half, which saw both teams struggle with discipline. Running back Kewan Lacy delivered a breakout performance, racking up a career-high 142 rushing yards. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss contributed significantly with 253 passing yards and two touchdown passes, showcasing his ability under pressure. The defense also made key plays, with defensive lineman Will Echoles recording a sack and two tackles for loss critical in maintaining the team’s lead.
Looking ahead, Ole Miss faces a formidable opponent next week, taking on No. 9 Georgia in an eagerly awaited matchup on October 18. This game will be featured prominently, as ESPN’s “College GameDay” will also be in attendance. With eight teams from the Southeastern Conference ranked in the AP Top 25 – including Texas A&M at No. 4, Alabama at No. 6, and Georgia at No. 9 – the competition is becoming increasingly intense.
Despite the Rebels’ unbeaten record, head coach Lane Kiffin expressed concern over his team’s performance, indicating that it did not match the expectations set by their ranking. Analysis of the game reveals that while the team remains undefeated, their playstyle may require improvements to compete effectively in future matchups.
In financial matters, Ole Miss will pay Washington State $400,000 as compensation for the game, which was scheduled after Wake Forest’s withdrawal from a prior agreement, costing Ole Miss a hefty $750,000 exit fee. The university has spent $2.75 million for its four nonconference games in the upcoming 2025 season, which includes previous payments of $1.6 million to Georgia State and $250,000 to Tulane, against whom Ole Miss convincingly won 45-10.
As the season progresses, Ole Miss’s performance in their next game against Georgia will likely have significant implications for both their ranking and confidence moving forward. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the Rebels can elevate their game to match the high caliber of competition within the SEC.
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Additional Resources
- Ole Miss Sports: First Look at Ole Miss vs. Georgia
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Football Game Contract
- Sports Illustrated: Observations from Ole Miss vs. Washington State
- Knox News: How to Watch Ole Miss vs. Washington State
- Clarion Ledger: Lane Kiffin on Upcoming Georgia Matchup
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels
- Google Search: Ole Miss Football News
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss
- Google News: Ole Miss Football
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
