Georgia beats Mississippi 42-7

Gunner Stockton threw four touchdown passes and rushed for another to lead No. 2 Georgia past No. 12 Mississippi 42-7 on Saturday night in Oxford, Mississippi. The result ended the Ole Miss Rebels' 16-game home winning streak and gave the Bulldogs a strong argument for the top spot in the country following a loss by No. 1 Miami.

Georgia dominated the first half, scoring on four consecutive drives of 72, 96, 61, and 50 yards. The Bulldogs built a 28-0 halftime lead while Mississippi crossed the midfield line only once. Stockton completed nine of 15 passes for 186 yards before the break. Georgia finished the game with 482 total offensive yards, including 298 in the first half.

Talyn Taylor contributed significantly to the aerial attack with three touchdown receptions of 3, 6, and 65 yards. Ethan Barbour added a 58-yard touchdown catch. Taylor finished with four receptions for 140 yards. On the ground, the Bulldogs rushed for 295 yards. Nate Frazier led the rushing attack with 107 yards on 16 carries. Craig Dandridge Jr. scored on a 4-yard run, and Stockton added a 15-yard touchdown run.

Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss completed 18 of 34 passes for 170 yards but was sacked five times and threw one interception. Shekai Mills-Knight scored the only points for the Rebels on an 8-yard run. The Ole Miss offense was held to 252 total yards.

Coach Kirby Smart secured his first victory in Oxford in three attempts. He credited the team's aggressive approach early in the game. Smart said the team embraced the challenge from the start and acted as hunters. He noted that the squad gets to enjoy the win for 24 hours before working to repeat the performance.

Chambliss described the start of the game as embarrassing. She said the team must maintain a short memory regarding the loss. Ole Miss coach Pete Golding admitted he did not expect a lopsided defeat. Golding stated that it was obvious the coaching staff did not have the team ready to play.

The result contrasts sharply with the teams' two meetings last season. Georgia won 43-35 at home previously, but Mississippi defeated the Bulldogs 39-34 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl.

Linebacker Chris Cole led the Georgia defense with nine tackles, two quarterback hurries, one and a half sacks, and one and a half tackles for loss. Safety KJ Bolden said the win places the team in the hunt for the top ranking. The Bulldogs will host No. 19 Missouri next Saturday. Mississippi will visit Oklahoma next Saturday.