In a gritty SEC showdown that had Sanford Stadium rocking under the October sun, the No. 9 Georgia Bulldogs clawed their way to a hard-fought 43-35 victory over the No. 5 Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday afternoon.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton engineered four touchdown drives, including a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Lawson Luckie to take the lead for good.
UGA Comes Back To Win Against Ole Miss
The victory improves Georgia to 6-1 with a tough 2025 schedule and keeps their College Football Playoff aspirations firmly on track, while handing Ole Miss (6-1) their first loss.
It was a tale of resilience for the Bulldogs, who overcame two early turnovers and a raucous road-like atmosphere created by traveling Rebel fans. Atlanta-area tailgates were electric pre-game, with UGA faithful from the metro spilling into Athens for what felt like a home-field edge.
Here are four key takeaways from Georgia’s statement win:
1. Stockton’s Dual-Threat Magic Proves Unstoppable
Gunner Stockton silenced doubters with a masterful performance, throwing for 289 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 50 yards on 10 carries.
His poise under pressure—evading sacks from Ole Miss’ ferocious front seven—was reminiscent of vintage Carson Beck. Stockon went 12-for-12 in the fourth quarter, willing his team to victory.
The redshirt sophomore’s 12-yard scramble on third-and-9 during the final drive set up the dagger to Lawson, earning him MVP chants from the Dawg Nation crowd. In a season where injuries have tested the depth chart, Stockton’s emergence as a franchise QB bodes well for Georgia’s November gauntlet.
2. Defense Bends But Doesn’t Break in Crucial Red-Zone Stands
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss carved up the secondary for 269 yards, but much of it came in the first half as Georgia’s defense settled down in the third and fourth quarters.
The Bulldogs held the Rebels to just 351 total yards, although Ole Miss only punted twice the whole game. Ole Miss only gathered 88 yards on the ground as well, which is a testament to Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann’s aggressive calls. For Atlanta fans weary of last year’s defensive lapses, this unit feels reloaded and ready.
3. Running Game Finds Rhythm Behind Revamped O-Line
After a sluggish start marred by penalties, Georgia’s ground attack exploded for 221 yards on 49 carries, led by Nate Frazier’s 72 yards on 17 carries. Chauncey Bowens ran for 62 yards as well.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton was the maestro of the turnaround, going 26-for-31 through the air for key completions while adding a 22-yard touchdown scamper that ignited the Bulldogs’ momentum. Georgia’s offense committed zero turnovers all game, a clean sheet that allowed Stockton to orchestrate with surgical precision.
“It was a great day,” Stockton said postgame, his voice steady amid the chaos. “We just played for each other, and that’s the best part of our team.”
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin had framed the matchup as a litmus test for his Rebels’ ascent in the SEC, telling reporters beforehand that a win in Athens would signal they’d climbed “another step.” Early signs pointed to validation: Rebels signal caller Trinidad Chambliss and the Rebels’ high-octane attack marched methodically downfield, building a 36-24 cushion at one point.
But as suddenly as the magic appeared, it vanished—Georgia’s vaunted defense, led by stops from the front seven, forced Ole Miss into its first punt of the game with 12:44 left on the clock.
Seizing the moment, Stockton answered with a nine-play, 67-yard clinic to hand the Bulldogs their first lead of the half.
The defense, unrelenting, stuffed another Rebels drive, teeing up Stockton for a 10-play march that chewed precious clock.
4 Kirby Smart’s Play-Calling Seals Another Classic
With the game getting away from them early in the fourth quarter, Smart played it smart, relying on his running backs to churn up and down the field. Thanks to some powerful running and great decision-making by Stockton, Kirby’s approach paid off.
Critics who questioned Smart’s conservative play-calling last season were quiet post-game; this win showcases his evolution as a clock wizard in tight spots. As Georgia eyes a top seed in the SEC, Smart’s steady hand keeps the Dawgs in the national title conversation.
Final Word
The victory lifts Georgia to 7-0 (4-0 SEC), while dropping Ole Miss to 6-1 (3-1). In other SEC action, New Mexico State transfer Diego Pavia channeled Heisman vibes with a game-winning scramble as Vanderbilt stunned No. 19 LSU 24-21 in Nashville.
For Georgia, the win underscores a blueprint of resilience: bend-but-don’t-break defense paired with opportunistic offense. As the Bulldogs gear up for Tennessee next week, this gritty escape feels like championship fuel.
The win wasn’t pretty, but in the SEC, ugly victories build champions. Up next for Georgia is a trip to face No. 12 Tennessee in Knoxville on Oct. 25—a revenge game after last year’s thriller.
For now, Athens (and Atlanta) breathes easy. Go Dawgs! Follow Atlanta Local Sports for more UGA coverage, including fan reactions and injury updates.