Mississippi Rebels vs Georgia Bulldogs Picks and Predictions November 9th 2024

No. 16 Ole Miss Faces Formidable Test Against No. 3 Georgia in SEC Showdown

The No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels face a monumental challenge as they prepare to host No. 3 Georgia in a game with high stakes in the SEC and College Football Playoff (CFP) picture. Both teams have hopes of a playoff berth, but Ole Miss must first overcome Georgia’s recent dominance and a relentless defense to stay in contention.

Ole Miss’ Strong Season and High-Stakes Motivation

The Rebels (7-2, 3-2 SEC) remain on the fringes of CFP contention, carrying momentum after a 63-31 blowout win over Arkansas. Under head coach Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss has consistently made the initial CFP rankings, achieving their highest initial rank last year at No. 10. However, standing in their path is a Georgia team intent on a fourth consecutive SEC Championship Game appearance.

Kiffin acknowledged the challenge Georgia presents but reminded his team that the door to postseason success remains open.

“It’s a great challenge this week, one we’re excited about,” Kiffin said. “I don’t talk about playoffs and championships normally… but I told my players that you still have all of those things alive. In my opinion, anybody that’s going to win it is going to have to go through Georgia at some point.”

Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart has been instrumental in the Rebels’ success. Leading the nation with 3,210 passing yards and a 192.4 efficiency rating, Dart has thrown 21 touchdowns against just three interceptions. His presence and high-level play will be critical if the Rebels hope to redeem last season’s 52-17 loss to Georgia.

Georgia’s Defense Poised for Another Tough Test

Georgia (7-1, 5-1 SEC) enters the matchup coming off impressive defensive outings against elite competition, including a 30-15 win over Texas and a 34-20 victory over Florida. Limiting these teams to a combined 487 yards, the Bulldogs’ defense has shown its championship-caliber potential. But this weekend, they face one of their toughest assignments against Ole Miss’ potent offense.

The Rebels are among the most productive offensive units in the nation, ranking second in total yards per game (555.4) and fourth in points scored (42.1). The offensive firepower Ole Miss brings could push Georgia’s defense to its limits.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart praised his defense but expressed an understanding of the challenges Ole Miss’ offense presents.

“We’re about to face one of the most productive offenses in college football,” Smart said. “We know Ole Miss has players that can execute and challenge us at every level. It’s going to be about discipline and staying consistent every down.”

Carson Beck’s Inconsistency Looms Large for Georgia

Georgia has shown resilience in overcoming obstacles, winning four straight games since a 41-34 loss to Alabama. Yet, fifth-year senior quarterback Carson Beck’s performance has raised some concerns. Beck, a preseason Heisman Trophy hopeful, has been inconsistent in recent games, throwing three interceptions in each of his last two outings and totaling 11 picks this season.

In Georgia’s recent 34-20 win over Florida, Beck had both stellar moments and costly errors, throwing for 309 yards and two touchdowns. However, his struggles with turnovers almost cost the Bulldogs when the game was tied in the fourth quarter.

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Smart emphasized Beck’s overall positive play but stressed the importance of avoiding costly mistakes in high-stakes games.

“Of 73 snaps, he made 68 winning decisions, which is impressive,” Smart said. “But the concern is that the mistakes can’t be catastrophic. You’ve got to make good decisions and play for the next down.”

Key Factors to Watch

1. Jaxson Dart’s Efficiency and Leadership: For Ole Miss to capitalize on Georgia’s defensive lapses, Dart must continue his efficient play. With 3,210 passing yards and only three interceptions, he’s capable of delivering in big moments, but he’ll need to avoid turnovers and capitalize on red-zone opportunities.
2. Georgia’s Defensive Pressure: Georgia has contained high-caliber offenses before, but Ole Miss’ versatility and quick tempo present new challenges. The Bulldogs will need to bring consistent pressure to disrupt Dart’s rhythm and limit Ole Miss’ explosive play potential.
3. Carson Beck’s Ball Security: Beck’s recent struggles with turnovers could open the door for Ole Miss if he’s unable to minimize mistakes. Georgia’s offense will rely on Beck’s ability to manage the game effectively and keep the Bulldogs from putting their defense in tough positions.

The Rivalry and Recent History

Georgia leads the all-time series 33-12-1, having won 11 of the last 12 matchups against the Rebels. Ole Miss will be motivated not only to snap this streak but also to stay in the running for a potential CFP spot. For Georgia, a win is essential to maintain their push for another SEC title and CFP appearance.

This high-stakes SEC showdown promises to be a battle of offensive firepower and defensive fortitude. Both teams have clear objectives, but only one will keep their playoff dreams alive as they clash under the lights in Oxford on Saturday.