Ole Miss Wasn't Ready to Play, Pete Golding Makes Startling Admission After Embarrassing Georgia Loss

Georgia controlled the game

Ole Miss struggled to build momentum against Georgia. The Bulldogs moved the ball effectively, while the Rebels’ offense found little success. The Rebels finished with a 2-0 deficit in turnover margin and were outgained 481-252. Georgia converted seven of its 12 third-down opportunities, underscoring Ole Miss’s difficulties on both sides of the ball.

Golding questions preparation

After the game, Golding called the performance disappointing across all three phases. He said he thought the team had a good week of practice and was prepared, but conceded, “We did not have them ready to play.” The coach also pointed to execution, saying the Rebels failed to string together good plays. The performance was a sharp contrast with Ole Miss’s earlier 32-24 win over seventh-ranked LSU and its victory over Georgia in the previous year’s College Football Playoff Quarterfinals.

A difficult lesson for Ole Miss

The loss came despite Ole Miss’s demanding schedule, which the article says is harder than most teams face. The story argues that schedule difficulty does not excuse a lack of readiness against a Top 10 opponent, and says responsibility rests with coaches as well as players.

Ole Miss also fell in the AP Poll Top 25, and the loss made a College Football Playoff berth appear less attainable. The article describes Golding as being in his first year of coaching, while also noting his prior wins over Georgia and LSU.

Oklahoma offers next test

The Rebels next face Oklahoma, which the article describes as a team capable of playing very well or poorly. Preparation and execution will be central as Ole Miss tries to recover from the defeat.

The article says Ole Miss can still salvage its season if it responds, particularly mentally. Golding is expected to emphasize execution as the team moves forward.