Georgia Football Rallies Past Ole Miss in Thrilling 2025 Home Game
The roar of 92,000 fans at Sanford Stadium reached deafening levels Saturday night as Georgia football clinched a crucial 28-24 victory over Ole Miss, fueled by a goal-line stand that will enter Bulldog folklore.
Turning Point at the 5-Yard Line
With 10:32 remaining and Ole Miss threatening to take the lead, linebacker Jaden Nolan stuffed quarterback Jaxson Dart on 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line. The play ignited Georgia's sideline while silencing Lane Kiffin's high-powered offense at the most critical moment.
"When Nolan grabbed Dart by the ankles there, you could feel the entire state of Georgia exhale," said defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann. "That's why these kids come here - for these 12 inches that decide everything."
Second-Half Adjustments Pay Off
After trailing 17-14 at halftime, head coach Kirby Smart made two key changes:
- Shifted to hurry-up offensive tempo
- Deployed 6-defensive-back formations against Ole Miss' air raid
The adjustments worked flawlessly, with quarterback Gunner Stockton leading two 75-yard scoring drives while the defense held the Rebels to just 84 second-half passing yards.
What This Means
The victory keeps Georgia (7-1) in contention for both the SEC East title and potential College Football Playoff spot. For Ole Miss (6-2), the loss effectively eliminates division championship hopes but keeps New Year's Six bowl possibilities alive.
Hero of the Night
Running back Trevor Etienne emerged as the offensive MVP with 142 rushing yards, including the game-winning 22-yard touchdown where he broke three tackles. "My linemen told me they'd get me to the second level," Etienne said postgame. "All I had to do was not go down."
Looking Ahead
Georgia travels to face Florida in Jacksonville next weekend, while Ole Miss hosts rival Mississippi State. Both games carry major implications for the inaugural 12-team playoff format. As lights dimmed over Athens, one message rang clear from Smart: "We ain't done writing this story yet."