Georgia vs. Ole Miss Sugar Bowl Preview: Key Storylines, Players to Watch, and What Changes in the Rematch
Georgia and Ole Miss already delivered one of the season’s most explosive games — and now they run it back in the Sugar Bowl CFP quarterfinal. In Athens on Oct. 18, 2025, Ole Miss led late before Georgia closed with a fourth-quarter surge to win 43–35. ESPN.com+2ESPN.com+2
This rematch comes with even more intrigue: Ole Miss arrives after major coaching turbulence, while Georgia returns to the Superdome looking to keep a title run alive. ESPN.com+1
1) Coaching drama: Ole Miss resets under Pete Golding
Ole Miss’ postseason has unfolded under unusual circumstances after Lane Kiffin left for LSU late in the year, with Pete Golding elevated to lead the team through the Playoff. ESPN.com+1
That storyline matters because playoff games punish uncertainty — especially at quarterback and on third down. If Ole Miss plays fast and clean early, the pressure flips to Georgia to avoid a slow start after a break.
2) Players to watch
Ole Miss: QB Trinidad Chambliss
Chambliss put up big numbers in the first meeting and was a major reason the Rebels controlled long stretches — but Georgia’s late defensive adjustments changed the game. ESPN.com+1
Ole Miss: RB Kewan Lacy (health watch)
Lacy’s production is elite, and Ole Miss needs balance to keep Georgia’s front from teeing off. He has been dealing with a shoulder issue but has been trending toward playing. ESPN.com+2ESPN.com+2
Georgia: QB Gunner Stockton
Stockton shredded Ole Miss in October (289 yards, 4 passing TDs) and even added a score on the ground — a reminder that Georgia can win either as a grinder or in a shootout. ESPN.com+2Southeastern Conference+2
Georgia: LB C.J. Allen
Allen is the tone-setter for Georgia’s defense and a huge reason their unit tightened up late in the season (team-leading tackles and impact plays). ESPN.com+2University of Georgia Athletics+2
Georgia: WR Zachariah Branch
Branch gives Georgia an explosive element after the catch and forces defenses to tackle in space — a major stress point for Ole Miss’ perimeter defense. ESPN.com+1
3) Three keys that decide the rematch
Key 1: Ole Miss must finish drives — and finish quarters
In the first game, the Rebels were rolling… until Georgia’s fourth-quarter answers. If Ole Miss settles for field goals early, it risks replaying the same script. ESPN.com+1
Key 2: Georgia’s defensive pressure vs. Ole Miss’ protection
Georgia adjusted late in Athens, and if it speeds up Chambliss again, the playbook shrinks fast. The Rebels’ best counter is committing to Lacy and staying ahead of the chains. ESPN.com+1
Key 3: Explosive plays
Georgia can flip the field quickly when Stockton gets time and Branch gets space. Ole Miss likely needs at least two “steal” moments (turnover, special teams swing, or short-field TD) to win. ESPN.com+1
What the winner gets next
The winner advances to the CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8 (vs. Miami, per multiple previews). FOX Sports+1
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