News Summary
The Ole Miss football team, ranked No. 5, recorded a narrow 24-21 victory against Washington State, securing a 6-0 start to the season. This win sets the stage for an important matchup against No. 9 Georgia next weekend, highlighted by its inclusion on ESPN College GameDay. Kewan Lacy’s impressive performance and quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’s strong showing were crucial to the game’s outcome. However, head coach Lane Kiffin expressed concerns over the team’s execution as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the Southeastern Conference.
Oxford, Mississippi – The Ole Miss football team, ranked No. 5 nationally, secured a narrow victory over Washington State, winning 24-21 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. This win propelled the Rebels to a 6-0 record this season, marking their best start since 2022, with a 3-0 record in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Having completed a four-game home stretch, Ole Miss is now preparing for a crucial showdown against No. 9 Georgia, scheduled for next weekend in Athens. This high-stakes matchup has garnered additional attention as it will be featured on ESPN College GameDay.
The victory against Washington State not only added to Ole Miss’ unbeaten record but also allowed them to avenge a previous loss to LSU from last season. Following the tightly contested game, head coach Lane Kiffin commented on the team’s performance, emphasizing a “survive-and-advance” mentality. The close win raises concerns given the Rebels’ history last season, where they lost three games by a mere 13 points combined.
Kewan Lacy, a transfer running back from Missouri, shone during the game, rushing for 142 yards. His performance was pivotal in ensuring the Rebels did not suffer a defeat. Lacy currently shares fourth place nationally with eight rushing touchdowns this season. Additionally, tight end Dae’Quan Wright made notable contributions by catching four passes for 80 yards and scoring a touchdown.
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss showcased his abilities by completing 20 of 29 passes for 253 yards, throwing for two touchdowns, and adding a 17-yard rushing touchdown. However, Ole Miss struggled with protection as their offensive line allowed Chambliss to be sacked three times during the game. Despite these challenges, peers and coaches recognized the growth of defensive lineman Kam Franklin, who recorded six total tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup, demonstrating his status as one of the team’s key defensive players.
Coach Kiffin expressed dissatisfaction with the overall execution, pointing out that the team’s performance resembled that of the 84th ranked team in the country. As the Rebels prepare for their upcoming game against Georgia, Kiffin acknowledges the need for better performance. Chambliss, reflecting on his play, committed to improving ahead of the important road test.
The Ole Miss vs. Georgia game is set to take place on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT. The clash of ranked teams promises to be a decisive moment in both squads’ seasons as they vie for position in the SEC.
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Additional Resources
- Ole Miss Sports: First Look at Ole Miss vs Georgia
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Football Contract with Washington State
- SI: Observations from Ole Miss’ Victory Over Washington State
- Knox News: SEC College Football Live Coverage
- Clarion Ledger: Lane Kiffin Previews Georgia Game
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels Football
- Google Search: Ole Miss Football News
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss
- Google News: Ole Miss Football
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