Georgia football had all the momentum in the world. The Bulldogs were riding a nine game win streak entering the College Football Playoff and just dominated Alabama in the SEC Championship game. Their opponent (Ole Miss) also was a team they already beat this season and they were predicted by nearly everyone to win again.
But that did not happen. Ole Miss had control of the game for most of the night and were able to kick a game-winning field goal with a few seconds remaining to win 39-34.
Georgia falls short for the second year in a row in the Sugar Bowl
The formula for Georgia seemed simple. Their offense had been playing at an extremely high level for the last month and a half and knew what it would take to beat the Rebels. Their defense also became one of the top units in the country since playing Ole Miss who seemed ready to flex their muscles once again.
But Ole Miss, without Lane Kiffin, took it to Georgia all night long. Sure Georgia had a comfortable halftime lead after a defensive touchdown from Daylen Everette, but the stats show just how dominant Ole Miss really was.
Ole Miss outgained Georgia 473-355 which included throwing for 130 more yards than UGA. They also were able to quickly erase the lead Georgia had after their defensive touchdown thanks to a dominant third quarter where the Bulldogs offense couldn't move the ball even if they wanted.
Georgia's defense also had no answer for Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss who made countless highlight reel plays. He was so impressive that Georgia's defense looked like they were playing a completely different game.
The part that hurts the most is that Georgia could have won still won this game. They had the ball inside the Ole Miss five yard line with two plays to punch it in and take the lead. They unfortuantely had to settle for a field goal which allowed Ole Miss to march down the field and win with a field goal of their own.
This will be an impossible loss to overcome. This Georgia team was good enough to win a National Championship, but UGA unfortunately will have to wait a little longer for Kirby Smart to win his third title.