Ole Miss’ Third-Down Defense Faces a Georgia Test
On November 3, 2026, Ole Miss was preparing for Georgia after beating Auburn 45-15 on Saturday, despite allowing the Tigers to convert third downs at a high rate.
Ole Miss’ 45-15 win over Auburn exposed a weakness the Rebels will need to address before facing Georgia: getting opposing offenses off the field on third down. Auburn kept the game within one score until fewer than four minutes remained in the third quarter, and it converted most of its early third-down chances.
The Rebels have allowed opponents to convert 42% of third downs this season, the 12th-highest rate in the SEC. They have also given up 50 conversions, more than all but Kentucky and Florida in the conference. During Auburn’s opening pair of possessions, the Tigers had five third-down situations and were stopped short of a first down only once.
Auburn managed just nine points despite those opportunities, helping Ole Miss secure the win. But the Rebels’ defense could pay a higher price against stronger opposition: a long drive that ends in a field goal against Auburn might become a touchdown against Georgia.
There were signs of improvement after halftime. Ole Miss stopped Auburn on third down early in the second half and limited the Tigers more effectively, though it still allowed two long conversions. The stronger defensive showing helped the Rebels pull away in the fourth quarter.
Georgia’s talented running backs could put added strain on Ole Miss’ linebackers if the defense cannot end drives. The Rebels will need to improve on third down to have a chance in the upcoming matchup.