Ole Miss Shocks Georgia 39-34 in CFP Quarterfinal Thriller

Ole Miss secured a thrilling 39-34 victory over third-ranked Georgia in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl, thanks to standout performances from quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and kicker Lucas Carneiro.

Chambliss threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns, delivering clutch plays during critical moments. Lucas Carneiro sealed the win with a 47-yard field goal as time expired. This marked Ole Miss’s second postseason victory since defensive coordinator Pete Golding was promoted to head coach after Lane Kiffin’s departure to LSU on November 30.

Chambliss reflected on the team’s resilience, saying, “People doubted us before the season and even after our coach left. We just want to play ball and have fun, and that’s showing now.” Golding praised his team’s composure, highlighting their ability to stay focused through adversity.

Georgia, seeded No. 3, fought hard under coach Kirby Smart, who called the game an “incredible college football game” and a testament to the CFP’s competitive spirit. Despite trailing 34-24 late in the fourth quarter, Georgia rallied to tie the score before Carneiro’s winning kick.

Key plays included Chambliss’s 40-yard pass to De’Zhaun Stribling on a pivotal third down, setting up the final field goal. Ole Miss also benefited from a safety on Georgia’s final kickoff attempt.

Both quarterbacks demonstrated exceptional poise. Chambliss escaped pressure multiple times to keep drives alive, while Georgia’s Gunner Stockton managed two fourth-down conversions and rushed for two touchdowns, despite sustaining heavy hits.

Ole Miss outgained Georgia 473 to 343 yards. Harrison Wallace III led with 156 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Kewan Lacy added 98 rushing yards and two scores.

With this victory, Ole Miss advances to the CFP semifinals to face Miami at the Fiesta Bowl, continuing their impressive postseason run under Golding’s leadership.