Ole Miss Upsets Georgia in Sugar Bowl for CFP Semifinal Berth

No. 6 Ole Miss pulled off a wild 39-34 upset over No. 3 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, punching their ticket to the College Football Playoff semifinals. The game had just about everything—huge plays, questionable calls, and a last-minute field goal that sent Ole Miss fans into a frenzy.

The Rebels now get No. 10 Miami in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8. A spot in the national championship is on the line, and honestly, who saw this coming?

The Sugar Bowl was all about intensity, with both teams refusing to back down. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss lit up the field, throwing for 362 yards and two touchdowns.

Chambliss’ 40-yard strike to De’Zhaun Stribling set up the clutch, game-winning 47-yard field goal from Lucas Carneiro. Running back Kewan Lacy looked unstoppable at times, racking up 99 yards and two touchdowns, even though he’d been questionable with a shoulder injury just days earlier.

Key Highlights of the Sugar Bowl

Georgia clawed back from a 10-point hole in the fourth quarter, tying things up with a field goal in the final minute. Ole Miss didn’t blink—Chambliss hit Stribling for a massive gain, and Carneiro nailed the decisive field goal.

That sequence pretty much captured the Rebels’ grit and ability to keep their heads when it mattered most.

Strategic Masterstrokes and Blunders

Georgia coach Kirby Smart tried a gutsy fake punt late in the third quarter, and for a moment, it looked like it might flip the script. But then, a trick play on a punt blew up in their faces—Suntarine Perkins crashed through for a sack, and Ole Miss turned it into a quick touchdown.

Smart admitted afterward that the play went off the rails, and it really hurt Georgia’s momentum.

Ole Miss’ Tactical Decisions

Ole Miss had their own head-scratchers. They tried a 2-point conversion after their first touchdown and missed, leaving a point on the table.

They also botched a play at the end of the first half, costing themselves a shot at a field goal. Still, their second-half adjustments made a huge difference.

Standout Performances

Certain guys just took over. Wide receiver Harrison Wallace III hauled in nine catches for 156 yards and a touchdown, proving he can deliver in the clutch.

On defense, linebacker Suntarine Perkins was everywhere—five tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and a pass deflection. His strip-sack of Georgia’s Gunner Stockton on fourth down swung the game.

Trinidad Chambliss’ Journey

Chambliss’ path from Division II Ferris State to leading Ole Miss to the Playoff semifinals? It’s kind of unreal. He thanked the Ole Miss community for believing in him.

The way he dodged defenders and made big throws under pressure really showed what he’s made of.

The Road Ahead: Fiesta Bowl Showdown

Now, Ole Miss has to get past a tough No. 10 Miami squad in the Fiesta Bowl. Miami just took down second-seeded Ohio State, so they’re not to be taken lightly.

The semifinal has all the makings of a classic, with both teams chasing a shot at the title.

Historical Context and Future Implications

This is the best season Ole Miss has had in 130 years of football. They’re one win away from their first national title since 1960.

The new 12-team Playoff has opened doors for teams like Ole Miss and Miami, who barely missed out last year. The Fiesta Bowl’s outcome could shake up college football for a while.

Fan Reactions and Expert Opinions

Fans and experts had plenty to say after the Sugar Bowl. Some loved the drama and seeing different teams in the final four for a change.