It was all fireworks in Athens until Ole Miss’s fuse burned out in the fourth quarter. For three straight frames, Lane Kiffin’s team looked ready to torch the defending champs in their own backyard. Then came the fourth quarter. The high-flying Rebels went toe-to-toe with Georgia in an SEC thriller that ended 43–35. That snapped Ole Miss’ unbeaten run and left fans asking the same question. What went wrong when it mattered most?

The answer might lie in one candid postgame moment. On October 18, The Rebels Walk posted wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling’s message to his QB Trinidad Chambliss. “He played good out there, we just have to make the most out of the opportunities,” he said.  The chemistry’s there, but execution under pressure, especially late, is still a work in progress.

And that’s the frustrating part for Lane Kiffin’s crew. Trinidad Chambliss was electric for most of the night, completing 19-of-36 for 263 yards and a touchdown through the air, plus 42 rushing yards and two scores. For three quarters, he looked like a QB who could pull off an Athens upset. The Rebels’ offense went a perfect 5-for-5 on scoring drives through three quarters. 

Kewan Lacy pounded in two short touchdowns and the QB found rhythm in the pocket. Heading into the fourth, they led 35-26 and had Georgia on its heels. But when the Dawgs tightened its defense, Ole Miss blinked. Georgia punched in a quick score to make it 35–33 with 12:56 left. Then came a crucial three-and-out for Ole Miss. That’s when the wheels came off as Gunner Stockton and the Bulldogs flipped the script.

Lane Kiffin suffers a fourth quarter misery

Down nine entering the fourth, Gunner Stockton dialed up 289 yards and four touchdowns, including three to tight end Lawson Luckie whose 7-yard go-ahead grab with 7:33 left broke the Rebels’ back. Georgia then forced three straight stops after Ole Miss had scored on five consecutive possessions. The Bulldogs outgained the Rebels by 160 yards and never gave back the lead.

Ole Miss fans can live with losses. What they can’t stomach is another fourth-quarter collapse that felt all too familiar. For Lane Kiffin, it’s another “almost” moment. For Trinidad Chambliss, it’s proof he can hang with the best but must finish like them too. So, De’Zhaun Stribling’s demand is simple. Keep playing good but turn “almost” into “always.”

Ole Miss now turns the page to Week 9 at Oklahoma, who are just coming off a dominant win against South Carolina, hoping that Athens heartbreak becomes the lesson that fuels their rebound.