What just happened: Resilient Dawgs rally again to defeat Ole Miss
Are you entertained?
Well, some of you might be. Others might be rushing to the pharmacy for a refill on blood pressure medication. Once again, Georgia fell behind and clawed its way back in dramatic fashion. This time, the Bulldogs rallied from a 9-point deficit to defeat Ole Miss 43-35.
Once again, the Georgia defense struggled mightily. Last week against Auburn, adjustments came after halftime. This time it took until the fourth quarter. The Rebels were able to score touchdowns on their first five possessions, the fifth giving them a 35-26 lead. That’s when quarterback Gunner Stockton took over, leading the Bulldogs on a 12-play, 75-yard drive capped with a 3-yard touchdown throw to Nate Frazier.
The defense then got the first three-and-out of the game, which also forced the first punt of the contest. Stockton took the Bulldogs 67 yards down the field, with the drive ending with Lawson Luckie catching a 7-yard touchdown pass. Luckie had the best game of his young career, catching five passes for 43 yards and three touchdowns.
Luckie’s third touchdown of the game put the Bulldogs up 40-35, with the defense then recording another three-and-out to get the offense the ball back. The Bulldogs added a field goal and got one final stop to clinch the victory.
What it means
Georgia muddied up matters in the race for the SEC Championship Game. As of this column’s publishing, only Texas A&M and Alabama remain unbeaten in conference play. The Bulldogs are likely to vault up close to or inside the top-5.
For as bad as the defense has been, the offense has made exceptional strides all season. Georgia’s offense has shown that it can win in a gritty old-school affair if needed, but can also go blow for blow in an explosive shootout. Expect most games to come down to the wire from here on out.
Stockton put together a statement game and could garner some Heisman Trophy consideration as a result. Stockton completed 26 of 31 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns. He also carried the ball 10 times for 59 yards and a touchdown.
A question that needs answering
Is there a player development problem on defense?
Georgia has a young defense. The 2022 defense that won a national title was also young. You can expect young defenses to miss assignments and give up big plays. You don’t expect them to be have this level of trouble at tackling, covering and rushing the passer.
Georgia’s defense has not shown any signs of improvement and put forth another similar result against Ole Miss.
Coaches point to players needing to execute, for each man to do their 1/11th on a given play. But if Georgia’s defense isn’t being developed, what can we reasonably expect from the group? There has been a significant drop-off on the level of on-field execution from when Mel Tucker, Dan Lanning and Will Muschamp were running the defense to now.
Three important plays
Out-coached for a score: Before the snap on Ole Miss’ 75-yard touchdown in the third quarter, Lane Kiffin was jumping up and down to signal a check to quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. Georgia showed a seven-man pressure with only four defensive backs. Kiffin signaled for Chambliss to change the play to a quick throw to De’Zhaun Stribling. Schumann, nor any defenders, made any changes. Chambliss threw the quick pass, Daylen Everette took a horrible angle, and Stribling completed the easiest 75-yard touchdown he’ll ever score in his career.
Missed throw: Following Georgia cutting the Ole Miss lead to 35-33 early in the fourth quarter, Chambliss dropped back to pass on first down. However, his attempt fell short of Stribling, who was open for a first down. This was the catalyst to Georgia’s first two good plays against the pass all game, which forced Ole Miss to produce the game’s first punt.
Jones’ pass breakup: For as bad as the defense played, one of the best moments came from defensive back Demello Jones. On third down with less than seven minutes to play, Chambliss threw deep to Harrison Wallace III. Jones was initially beat but recovered enough to put his left hand where Wallace was looking to haul in the catch. The ball hit Jones’ hand and ricocheted incomplete. Ole Miss was then forced to punt on its second consecutive possession.
Other important games of note
Louisville 24, No. 2 Miami 21: From Friday, this game sent shockwaves around the country. Carson Beck threw four interceptions as the Hurricanes will be expected to drop quite a bit in the top 25.
No. 17 Vanderbilt 31, No. 10 LSU 24: Diego Pavia hit the Heisman pose after his third total touchdown of the game. The Commodores have a daunting schedule ahead as they try to do the unthinkable, which is reach the College Football Playoff.
No. 12 Georgia Tech 27, Duke 18: I miss being able to make fun of the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech has a great chance to be unbeaten going into the annual rivalry game in late November.
Grading Georgia
Offense: A
This was the best game Mike Bobo has called all season. The offense was well balanced, scored on every possession (except the final one in victory formation) and kept punter Brett Thorson off the field. Stockton completed passes to eight different players. As a team, the Bulldogs rushed the ball 49 times for 221 yards. While it wasn’t mentioned above, equally as important was Josh McCray’s first-down on run on fourth down in the fourth quarter. Just when it looked like he was stuffed, he found a way to keep his legs moving and pick up the first down. The offense came through in every critical moment of the game.
Defense: F
This defense can’t rush the passer, can’t tackle and can’t cover. The Rebels were 5-for-5 on third down in the first half, with an additional third-down conversion coming on a pass interference penalty. It was an atrocious outing defensively for three quarters. Finally figuring out Ole Miss in the fourth quarter can’t save Saturday’s failing grade.
Special teams: A
Peyton Woodring did what was asked of him, making all three of his field goal attempts. Stockton had an excellent hold on a low snap on the third make.
Season grades to date
Offense: C+
Defense: C-
Special teams: A-