Georgia vs. Ole Miss score, takeaways: No. 2 Dawgs flex offensive muscle in trouncing of No. 9 Rebels

The Georgia offensive was firing on all cylinders in an emphatic win over Ole Miss

No. 2 Georgia continued its march toward a potential national title three-peat on Saturday by dismantling No. 9 Ole Miss 52-17 while improving to 10-0 behind a prolific offensive effort. The Bulldogs scored touchdowns on their first four possessions and used a balanced dose of running and passing to keep Ole Miss off-balance all night in front of 92,746 fans at Sanford Stadium.

Carson Beck surpassed 300 yards passing for the fifth time this season and threw for two scores, while Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards each added two rushing touchdowns as the Bulldogs totaled a season-high 300 yards rushing. UGA also got star tight end Brock Bowers back from injury after he missed two games following tightrope surgery on his ankle. Ole Miss scored first after receiving the opening kickoff, but the Rebels struggled to keep pace from there while suffering just their second loss of the season.

The Bulldogs had already clinched the SEC East title by virtue of Tennessee's loss to Missouri earlier in the day, and the top-10 victory kept them fully on track for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Road games against the Volunteers and rival Georgia Tech await UGA to close the season before the Dawgs head to Atlanta to face Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.

If Saturday's performance was any indication, the Bulldogs should be favored when they arrive at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face the Crimson Tide on Dec. 2. At one point, the Bulldogs rattled off 31 unanswered points against the Rebels as eighth-year coach Kirby Smart notched a convincing win in his first-ever head coaching matchup with the Rebels' Lane Kiffin, who he worked with at Alabama from 2014-15.

• Georgia star tight end Brock Bowers hauled in three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown in his return from injury.
• Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart left the game in the third quarter due to injury and did not return.
• Georgia running back Kendall Milton amassed a career-high 127 yards on the ground.
• The Bulldogs extended their FBS-best winning steak to 27 games.
• UGA has now won 12 straight home games against ranked opponents.

CBS Sports was with you throughout the game providing live updates, highlights and analysis. Read on below for takeaways from Georgia's emphatic win over Ole Miss. 

[Nov 11, 2023 at 10:40 pm ET · David Cobb]

1. Georgia's dynamic offense explodes

Brock Bowers is just one element of an increasingly dynamic offensive attack that has shown more consistent flashes of greatness since narrow September victories over South Carolina and Auburn. In his first season as the starting quarterback, Carson Beck now appears fully comfortable and in command, while offensive coordinator Mike Bobo is pressing the right buttons at the right time after taking over for Todd Monken. Part of the Bulldogs' recent offensive surge is attributable to the reemergence of Ladd McConkey, who missed the first four games due to injury and was slowly worked back in from there. After hauling in four catches for 81 yards and a touchdown against Ole Miss, he's now totaled 17 catches for 311 yards and two touchdowns in his last three games.

The Dawgs also put their balance on display against the Rebels with Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton thriving on the ground. The team's 300 yards rushing were its most of the season, and the first half offered a striking example of how lethal Georgia is at its best. UGA scored touchdowns on its first four possessions, covering 60 or more yards on each drive, while giving the Rebels no chance to generate momentum. When it was all said and done, UGA had punted just once.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 10:36 pm ET · David Cobb]

Ole Miss hits a ceiling, Dart is OK

Losses to Alabama and Georgia have offered a frustrating reminder for Ole Miss of the talent gap that exists between it and the SEC's top teams. The Rebels still have an excellent opportunity to win 10 games for the second time in three seasons, which hasn't been done since the early 1960s. But for a competitor like Kiffin who has coached for brands like Alabama, Tennessee and USC, these losses seem to be particularly frustrating.

While the temptation for Ole Miss fans may be to pin blame on first-year defensive coordinator Pete Golding, the difference between the Bulldogs and Rebels is more about resources and reputation than coaching. Georgia is better-positioned with NIL resources to attract top-tier defenders and linemen, who are at a premium. While Kiffin is adept at molding effective offenses with keenly identified transfers and player development, replicating that formula on defense is proving challenging.

Nonetheless, with victories over ULM and struggling rival Mississippi State to close the season, Ole Miss would enter its bowl game with a chance to win 11 games for the first time in program history. Key to that aspiration is the health of quarterback Jaxson Dart, who exited the game in the fourth quarter and did not return after taking a big hit. Kiffin said in his postgame press conference that Dart was cleared to return, but with the game out of hand, Kiffin simply elected to stay with veteran backup Spencer Sanders.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 10:42 pm ET · David Cobb]

Brock Bowers looks strong in return

When Georgia tight end Brock Bowers underwent tightrope surgery following an ankle injury suffered against Vanderbilt on Oct. 14, it came with an expected recovery time of 4-6 weeks. Considering that Bowers is ranked the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2024 CBS Sports NFL Draft Prospect Rankings, speculation swirled over whether Bowers would return at all. The junior star already played a pivotal role in a pair of national championships, and it's common in this era for elite college prospects to choose self-preservation ahead of the draft.

But Bowers made a statement Saturday night about his commitment to helping Georgia three-peat as he returned to the lineup just four weeks after his injury. The versatile junior weapon looked close to 100% as he made three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown. Missing two games likely sank whatever slim Heisman Trophy hopes Bowers may have harbored, but his return should catapult him to an even loftier place in program lore. Not everyone in his situation would have returned to the field, and the fact that he came back on the front end of his injury timeline only further demonstrates his appetite for competition.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 10:25 pm ET · David Cobb]

Georgia dominates Ole Miss in top-10 battle

No. 2 Georgia continued its march toward a potential national title three-peat on Saturday night by dismantling No. 9 Ole Miss 52-17 while improving to 10-0 behind a prolific offensive effort. The Bulldogs scored touchdowns on their first four possessions and used a balanced dose of running and passing to keep Ole Miss off-balance all night in front of 92,746 fans at Sanford Stadium.

Carson Beck surpassed 300 yards passing for the fifth time this season and threw for two scores while Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards each added two rushing touchdowns. The Bulldogs also got star tight end Brock Bowers back from injury after he missed two games due following tightrope surgery on his ankle. Ole Miss scored first after receiving the opening kickoff, but the Rebels struggled to keep pace from there while suffering just their second loss of the season.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 10:17 pm ET · David Cobb]

Balanced attack for dominating 'Dawgs

Following Andrew Paul's 4-yard touchdown run, the Bulldogs are up to 603 total yards, and it's been an incredibly balanced effort as 311 of them have come through the air vs. 292 on the ground. The reserves are getting some run for UGA now with a road trip to Tennessee looming next week. Brock Vandagriff was in at QB on that series, and tight end Oscar Delp made his first reception of the night.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 10:02 pm ET · David Cobb]

Dayton Wade, my goodness

Dayton Wade just made his case for catch of the year for Ole Miss with a ridiculous one-handed grab that positioned the Rebels at Georgia's 17-yard line. The Rebels are out of this one, but that will go down as the play of the game. How he was able to hang onto the ball while falling so hard to the turf is a tough one to comprehend. The Rebels have their shortcomings, but skill talent is certainly not among the biggest issues.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 9:52 pm ET · David Cobb]

Brock Bowers is officially back

Georgia's star tight end has been relatively quiet in his return from an ankle injury that required tightrope surgery, granted the Bulldogs haven't really needed him to be a hero tonight. But he's officially on the board now with a touchdown catch after Carson Beck found him for an 8-yard score in the opening minute of the fourth quarter. The rout is officially on at Sanford Stadium as Kirby Smart is sticking it to former Alabama coworker Lane Kiffin.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 9:47 pm ET · David Cobb]

Bulldogs in command

End 3Q: Georgia 38, Ole Miss 14

Georgia put its foot down in the third quarter, building its lead to 38-14 behind a strong defensive effort and the determined running of Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards. As the fourth quarter begins, the Dawgs are on the cusp of extending their lead even further after Edwards rattled off a 51-yard gain. Georgia is up to 525 yards of total offense and has a chance to surpass 600 for the second time this season.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 9:39 pm ET · David Cobb]

Jaxson Dart exits the game after hit

Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart had four trainers tending to him after he took a big shot from Georgia's Daylen Everette and Zion Logue, who sandwiched him while bringing him down on an 8-yard scramble. Dart eventually stood up and walked off the field under his own power, but he appeared gimpy after that major collision and entered the injury tent. Former Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders entered in Dart's place. He's an experienced player, which is a luxury for Lane Kiffin. But the Rebels had to punt, and Dart left the field and ran to the locker room soon after.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 9:32 pm ET · David Cobb]

Ladd McConkey to the tent

Something to monitor as Georgia surges ahead 38-14 on a 27-yard Peyton Woodring field goal: Ladd McConkey went to the injury tent on that series. The shifty slot receiver has been huge again tonight and is really finding a groove after missing the season's first four games due to injury. His status will be something to monitor moving forward, though it may not be necessary for him to return for this game even if he can.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 9:19 pm ET · David Cobb]

Kendall Milton to the house

Could Georgia get two backs to 100 yards tonight? Kendall Milton is up to 71 yards on 7 carries after taking a carry 33 yards to the house to put the Bulldogs up 35-14. Daijun Edwards is at 50 yards on 9 carries. Both players have two touchdowns, and there is plenty of time remaining for UGA to pound the rock while nursing a growing lead. The Dawgs rushed for 291 yards against Vanderbilt, and while they are unlikely to reach that total tonight, this could wind up as their second-best collective. rushing performance of the season.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 9:09 pm ET · David Cobb]

Lane Kiffin gambles hard

Georgia went three-and-out to begin the first half and punted for the first time. Carson Beck's two incompletions on that series were his first consecutive incompletions of the game. That's just what Ole Miss needed, but then the Rebels wasted the stop by going three-and-out themselves. It looked like the Rebels had no choice but to punt. Instead, Lane Kiffin took a MASSIVE risk and had punter Fraser Masin run for the sticks on fourth-and-13. It worked, but the momentum was short lived. The Rebels ended up actually punting four plays later.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 9:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Second-half keys

If Ole Miss wants to have any chance in this game, it needs to come up with a couple of turnovers because it's hard to envision this defense forcing Georgia into three-and-outs. While Carson Beck did throw an interception in the first half, it came in a two-minute drill situation on a ball that actually should have been caught. If Rebels DC Pete Golding can find some look to get Beck uncomfortable and open the door for a turnover, it would go a long way towards getting some juice back in the Ole Miss corner. For Georgia, it's as simple as staying out of your own way from here. Don't put yourself behind the sticks on the opening possession of the third quarter with a holding penalty. Stay in front of the chains and be on the lookout for Lane Kiffin shenanigans such as an onside kick or offensive trick plays.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 8:42 pm ET · David Cobb]

Georgia in excellent shape

Half: Georgia 28, Ole Miss 14

Georgia safety Javon Bullard picked off Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart near midfield to stymie the Rebels' chances of cutting into the deficit before halftime. The Bulldogs couldn't add to their lead after the takeaway, but they get the football to begin the third quarter and are in great shape. UGA finished the half with a whopping 304 yards behind a 13 for 15 passing performance from Carson Beck. Ole Miss played reasonably well offensively, it just had no answer for this multi-faceted Georgia offense, which is hitting its stride at the right time. With Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers both healthy and thriving for the first time this season, UGA is more dangerous offensively than it has been in a long time.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 8:24 pm ET · David Cobb]

4 for 4 for Georgia

Georgia is trying to three-peat as national champions, and it just four-peated in terms of touchdowns. UGA is a perfect 4 for 4 on finding the end zone in this game after Kendall Milton punched in a scoring run of 7 yards to cap a 62-yard drive. The Bulldogs are up to 277 total yards with 2:27 left in the half and now lead 28-14. This offense looks unstoppable tonight with Brock Bowers back on the field, Carson Beck looking comfortable and two running backs picking up nice chunks.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 8:16 pm ET · David Cobb]

Nazir Stackhouse disrupts the Rebels

Georgia defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse blew up the Ole Miss possession before it could ever get started as he sacked Jaxson Dart for a loss of 10. Stuck behind the chains, the Rebels failed to generate a first down. That was an impressive series from the Bulldogs after Ole Miss reached enemy territory on its first three possessions. Georgia has eight minutes left in the half to extend its lead, and the Dawgs also get the football to begin the third quarter.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 8:16 pm ET · David Cobb]

Carson Beck is dialed in

Carson Beck is 7 of 8 for 149 yards and a touchdown. He's led the Bulldogs to three touchdowns on three possessions and continues blossoming into one of the nation's best quarterbacks. The big play on that scoring drive was a 41-yard connection with Ladd McConkey, which established the Bulldogs in a first-and-goal. Brock Bowers also made his first reception on that series, good for seven yards, as he gets worked back into the mix after missing the last two games due to injury.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 8:02 pm ET · David Cobb]

Quinshon Judkins is getting hot

Ole Miss sophomore running back Quinshon Judkins was a breakout freshman star last season, and it feels like he was forgotten nationally amid a slow start to this season while the Rebels figured out their offensive line. But he's now run for 100-plus yards in four the last five games and is off to a strong start tonight. He just scored his second touchdown of the game from four yards out and also has a couple of receptions. The Rebels are getting it done on the ground and through the air early as we are now tied at 14.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 7:57 pm ET · David Cobb]

Good battle early in Athens

End 1Q: Georgia 14, Ole Miss 7

Ole Miss and Georgia played a relatively even first quarter. The Rebels struck first before Georgia responded with 14 unanswered. But entering the second quarter, the Rebels were positioned to potentially tie the game. Moving the football proved little issue for the Rebels against Georgia's vaunted defense in the opening quarter, and Lane Kiffin showed he is here to win by going for it on a couple of fourth downs. The problem for the Rebels will be getting stops against an energized Georgia offense that has star tight end Brock Bowers back from injury. Carson Beck completed 4 of 5 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown to Ladd McConkey in the first quarter, and Daijun Edwards proved effective on the ground.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 7:49 pm ET · David Cobb]

Ladd McConkey coming on strong

Ladd McConkey just put Georgia ahead 14-7 as he snuck in between the corner and safety to corral a perfectly thrown Carson Beck pass in the end zone. McConkey is really coming on strong after he was injured to begin the season. He made 13 grabs for 230 yards over the past two games and is off to a good start against the Rebels. This Georgia offense is beginning to hit its stride.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 7:43 pm ET · David Cobb]

Kiffin takes another risk

Two possessions and two risky fourth-down attempts for Lane Kiffin. The second one did not work, as the Rebels failed to convert a fourth-and-3 from the Georgia 44-yard line. The Bulldogs got pressure up the middle on Jaxson Dart, who was forced to launch a desperation heave down the right sideline. Georgia stands and gets the football back in great field position. If there was good news for Ole Miss, it's that Caden Prieskorn was back in on that series after getting banged up on the opening possession.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 7:32 pm ET · David Cobb]

RaRa Thomas ignites Georgia's answer

Georgia initiated a quick response to the early Ole Miss touchdown thanks to a 44-yard connection between Carson Beck and RaRa Thomas, who is plenty familiar with Ole Miss considering that he transferred from Mississippi State. Thomas picked up 26 yards after the catch as he shirked a defender to establish the Bulldogs deep in Ole Miss territory. Daijun Edwards finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. Impressive response from the Bulldogs, after Ole Miss struck first. All tied up at 7-7. Of note: Brock Bowers was in on that drive for the Dawgs.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 7:28 pm ET · David Cobb]

Injuries to watch

Ole Miss tight end Caden Prieskorn appeared to be injured after making a big catch on the opening drive. The Rebels were already down offensive lineman Micah Pettus to begin the game and had another lineman limp off during the first series. This isn't the opponent you want to be facing while dealing injuries up front.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 7:23 pm ET · David Cobb]

Early risk shows Kiffin's mindset

Lane Kiffin rolled the dice early, opting to go for it on fourth-and-1 from his own 34. It worked out, and the Rebels kept on marching into Georgia territory. That decision offered a glimpse into Kiffin's mindset as the No. 9 Rebels take on the two-time reigning national champions. He isn't here for a moral victory. He's willing to take chances and roll the dice to see if his team can get over the hump. Quinshon Judkins capped the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run as the Rebels exposed the vulnerabilities of UGA's run defense.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 7:12 pm ET · David Cobb]

Here we go

The Dawgs have been called and the coin has been flipped. Ole Miss won the toss and chose to receive. Lane Kiffin and the Rebels are getting bold before the ball has even been kicked. Top-10 showdown on deck from Athens, Georgia as the Bulldogs look to remain unbeaten and Ole Miss looks for what would be one of the biggest wins in program history.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 7:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Carson Beck for Heisman 

Yes, it's time to have the conversation. Georgia's junior quarterback is blossoming into one of the nation's best during his first season as the starter after patiently waiting behind Stetson Bennett IV. With star tight end Brock Bowers out with an ankle injury, Beck calmly guided UGA to huge SEC East wins over rival Florida and a well-regarded Missouri team. He'll have excellent opportunities this week and next to create Heisman moments as the Bulldogs take on the Rebels and Tennessee in consecutive weeks while navigating the toughest portion of their schedule.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 6:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

What's at stake

Major implications for the SEC championship and College Football Playoff hang in the balance for Saturday's showdown between No 2 Georgia and No. 9 Ole Miss as the Rebels head to Sanford Stadium for the first time since 2012. The cross-division battle is the first in series history with both teams ranked in the top 10, and it marks the first time since 1968 that they've played in Athens, Georgia, while both are ranked. A win would move the Bulldogs (9-0, 6-0 SEC) clinch the SEC East title for a third straight year. But the Rebels (8-1, 5-1) could make a statement for CFP candidacy if they are able to add a victory against the two-time reigning national champions to their resume.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 6:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Waiting for the fade 

Ole Miss also started 8-1 last season before losing its final four games and finishing 8-5. Fear of a similar collapse seems to be weighing the Rebels' stock down considering they enter this game as a double-digit underdog. With a 4-0 record in one-possession games, Ole Miss has been opportunistic in 2023 and fortunate to survive in thrilling finishes against LSU and Texas A&M. If the luck runs out against the Bulldogs and Kiffin gets too aggressive, things could get ugly.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 6:47 pm ET · David Cobb]

Brock Bowers is starting

Georgia star tight end Brock Bowers was just announced as a starter ahead this top-10 showdown with Ole Miss. The versatile junior weapon suffered an ankle injury at Vanderbilt on Oct. 14 that required tightrope surgery. It came with an expected recovery time of 4-6 weeks. It has been only four, but he is going to give it a shot tonight. His presence will obviously be a significant boost for the Bulldogs as they look to improve to 10-0. Bowers is sure-handed receiver who is also a threat in the running game. And he's a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses because of his combination of size, speed and elite hands.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 5:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

Running on Georgia 

Attempts to run the football against Georgia were fruitless over the past two seasons. Loaded with eventual NFL Draft picks up front, the Bulldogs ranked No. 2 nationally in yards allowed per carry each of the past two years, allowing 2.88 yards a pop in 2022 and just 2.56 in 2021. This season, UGA is ceding 3.73 yards per carry, which creates an opening for the Ole Miss offense to thrive. Star sophomore back Quinshon Judkins has rattled off three straight 100-yard rushing games and has found the end zone 12 times this season. Georgia, meanwhile, just gave up 212 yards rushing in a win over Missouri.