BREAKING: In a nail-biting finish, the Ole Miss Rebels defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 41-35 Saturday night in Oxford, thanks to a pivotal defensive play. With just 1:52 remaining, TJ Dottery forced a fumble from Arkansas wide receiver Jalen Brown at the Rebels’ 24-yard line, halting a potential game-winning drive.
This dramatic turnover, the only one of the game, was recovered by Wydatt Williams, Jr., allowing Ole Miss (3-0, 2-0 SEC) to maintain its undefeated status and hand Arkansas (2-1, 0-1 SEC) its first loss of the season. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin praised the team’s resilience, stating, “We’ve had a lot of wild ones with these guys. It’s a good win for us.”
The match showcased explosive offensive talent, with both teams combining for a staggering 997 yards of total offense and 53 first downs. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, stepping in for injured starter Austin Simmons, delivered a remarkable performance with 415 yards of total offense. He completed 21 of 29 passes for 357 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 62 yards and two scores.
“I was a little nervous,” Chambliss admitted after the game. “But after my first run, I calmed down.” His confidence proved pivotal as he led the Rebels to victory in a high-stakes SEC showdown.
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green also shone, racking up 416 yards of total offense, completing 23 of 35 passes for 305 yards and rushing for another 111 yards and a touchdown. Kiffin acknowledged Green’s threat, stating, “You’re at risk against a dynamic dual-threat quarterback like him.”
The game was tightly contested throughout, with both teams scoring on their initial nine possessions. It was a back-and-forth battle, culminating in a 31-28 score at halftime. However, both teams managed only one touchdown in the second half.
In a concerning moment, Arkansas defensive back Kani Walker had to be carted off the field in the third quarter, though ESPN reporter Taylor McGregor later confirmed he had movement in all extremities. Kiffin expressed his hope for Walker’s recovery, stating, “Really hope their player is okay that got injured in the game.”
Special teams were also crucial, with Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro successfully converting field goals of 36 and 23 yards, while Arkansas’ Scott Starzyk missed two attempts from 51 and 49 yards. Kiffin noted the importance of Carneiro’s performance, saying, “He didn’t miss, and those were huge.”
As Ole Miss celebrates this thrilling victory, the Rebels look ahead to their next matchup, riding high on their undefeated streak. Meanwhile, Arkansas will seek to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming games.
What’s Next: Fans are eager to see how both teams respond in their next contests, with Ole Miss aiming to solidify its status in the SEC and Arkansas seeking redemption from its first loss.