(Photo: Field Street Forum)
Campus Clash
(3) Georgia Bulldogs at (16) Ole Miss Rebels
Georgia: Since 2021, they have established themselves as bullies in college football. I’m talking about that one team you feared to face. After all, they did win consecutive national titles and since then, they have lost three total games to the same team, the Alabama Crimson Tide. As you read this, you probably ask why you are bringing this up, Christian. I can answer that, They haven’t looked like the dominant team I just described, and dare I say it, the Kentucky Wildcats and Crimson Tide both exposed them. When you give a physical football team a taste of their own medicine, they fold and don’t know how to respond which is why I always find myself saying “The bully doesn’t like to be bullied”. For a second, I thought the Florida Gators were about to pull one of the biggest upsets of the season. I didn’t like what I saw from Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs over the weekend. One, the play was just sloppy. Carson Beck has been very inconsistent this year and he could come in between them and winning another championship. On Saturday against Florida, he threw three interceptions. I will say that when he does struggle, they don’t turn on him or pull him. Instead, they let him tough it out. The one thing that concerns me is their vulnerable pass defense. Alabama exposed it in September and so many other teams have done the same. They’ve shown that they struggle at times to defend dual-threat Quarterbacks. On Saturday, they will make their way to Oxford for a showdown with the Rebels.
Ole Miss: This was one team I was high on entering the year. On paper, this was considered to be Lane Kiffin’s best team and although they lost Quinshon Judkins to the Ohio State Buckeyes, one player from last season was returning and with him on the field, they have a chance each week. I’m talking about the Quarterback, Jaxson Dart. There isn’t a pass this kid can’t make and his command of the offense is what stands out to me. When I watch him, I see a little bit of Justin Herbert in his game. I’m talking about the movement in the pocket, how he can extend plays, and when he has the time to throw the football, he will spin it down the field just like the Los Angeles Chargers Quarterback. Staying on the topic of Jaxson, let’s look at his last game! Against the Arkansas Razorbacks, he was on his game. Look at this stat line. He completed 25 of his 31 pass attempts for 515 yards passing and six touchdown passes. He had as many touchdown passes as he did incompletions. When I did my division previews during the Summer, this Rebels team was high on my radar. I felt they had the roster to compete and make some noise in the SEC. Let’s be honest, I didn’t know what the Texas Longhorns would do with this being their first year in the conference and Alabama was entering a new chapter without Nick Saban, plus, you never know what you’re going to get with the LSU Tigers. This Saturday, they welcome the Georgia Bulldogs to town.
Georgia X-Factor: Mykel Williams– He’s projected to be one of the top pass rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft. What I enjoy about Mykel is he can play anywhere you ask of him on the defensive line as an EDGE guy or an interior rusher. Could you imagine this guy with his speed running downhill on you from the interior? He is still raw as a pass rusher and he will develop his moves throughout time. I love Mykel’s pursuit of the football and getting to the passer.
Ole Miss X-Factor: Jordan Watkins– This is one of the better Wide Receivers you hear nothing about. Meet Jordan. A 5’11 receiver who loves creating explosive plays down the field. As a receiver, he has strong hands, precise route running and he can move in space when the football hits his hands. Jordan is Jaxson’s top target for a reason and he had himself a big game last weekend in Fayetteville. Eight receptions and 254 yards receiving in the big win over Arkansas.
Final Thoughts: How could you not love the SEC? There’s always a big-time game in the conference. I predicted this to be my SEC title game in December, but I know for a fact that won’t happen. Ole Miss has one of the best run defenses in the conference and that’ll be a tough test for the Bulldogs who thrive on the ground attack. This front seven in general for the Rebels is one of the best in the country and they will throw all the looks imaginable at Carson Beck. One thing I’ve noticed about Georgia is they can make all the mistakes in the world and still find a way to win the football game. Look at the game against the Florida Gators. Ole Miss must play perfect football and not turn the ball over on this opportunistic defense. On the other hand, the Bulldogs must clean up the turnovers if they want a chance at playing for the conference title game in December. Beck has three games in conference play with three interceptions. Ole Miss is the more desperate team here and they will do all they can to give Georgia a battle. However, Georgia will look to make another statement and I’m picking them to win this game.
Prediction: Georgia 30, Ole Miss 27
