In a critical SEC matchup with major College Football Playoff implications, the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels weathered a second-half storm to defeat the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners 34-26 on the road.
In a game of shifting momentum, the Rebels coughed up a double-digit lead but demonstrated resilience by wrestling back control in the fourth quarter to secure a season-defining victory .
How the Game Was Won: A Roller Coaster of Momentum
The clash in Norman was a tale of two halves, defined by dramatic swings that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.
First Half: Rebels Seize Control
Ole Miss started strong, establishing an early 10-3 lead with a methodical opening drive resulting in a field goal and a 28-yard touchdown run from Kewan Lacy . Oklahoma briefly drew even early in the second quarter when quarterback John Mateer connected with Isaiah Sategna for a spectacular 76-yard touchdown pass . However, the momentum shifted violently back to Ole Miss shortly after. The Rebels' defense pinned Oklahoma deep in its own territory and tackled Sooners running back Tory Blaylock in the end zone for a safety . Ole Miss capitalized on the ensuing possession, and a late second-quarter touchdown by Lacy—his second of the game—gave the Rebels a commanding 22-10 lead heading into halftime .
Second Half: Sooners Rally, Rebels Respond
Oklahoma emerged from the break with renewed energy. The third quarter was dominated by the Sooners, specifically running back Xavier Robinson. After the teams traded field goals, Robinson broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown run . Following a quick stop by the Oklahoma defense, Robinson struck again, capping a drive with a 9-yard touchdown run to give the Sooners their first lead of the game at 26-25 late in the third quarter . Facing a stunning turnaround on the road, the Ole Miss offense responded exactly as needed. The Rebels engineered a decisive 75-yard touchdown drive, retaking the lead for good at 31-26 on an 8-yard touchdown pass from Trinidad Chambliss to tight end Trace Bruckler . The Ole Miss defense then sealed the victory in the fourth quarter. A fumble on a punt return by Oklahoma's Sategna led to a late Rebels field goal , and the Sooners' final two drives ended on a turnover on downs and a game-ending fumble, cementing the Ole Miss victory .
Key Performers and Stats
Ole Miss Rebels
Trinidad Chambliss (QB): The transfer quarterback delivered a poised performance, throwing for 314 yards and a touchdown on 24-of-44 passing, while also adding 53 crucial yards on the ground .
Kewan Lacy (RB): Acting as the workhorse, Lacy carried the ball 27 times for 79 yards and two touchdowns .
Winston Watkins (WR): The deep threat caught four passes for 110 yards, including a 43-yard reception that set up the game-sealing field goal .
Oklahoma Sooners
Xavier Robinson (RB): Robinson was explosive, racking up 109 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries, highlighted by his 65-yard score .
Isaiah Sategna (WR): He had a phenomenal day with six receptions for 131 yards and a 76-yard touchdown .
John Mateer (QB): The Oklahoma quarterback finished 17-of-31 for 223 yards and a touchdown but struggled in the fourth quarter and was unable to lead a game-tying drive .
What This Result Means for the College Football Playoff
Ole Miss is in the Driver's Seat
The victory fundamentally transforms Ole Miss's playoff trajectory. Moving to 7-1 (4-1 SEC), the Rebels now have a clear path to the College Football Playoff . According to projections from The Athletic, Ole Miss's chance to make the CFP jumped from 61% to 86% following this win . With a manageable remaining schedule that features no currently ranked opponents, the Rebels are positioned to be heavy favorites in all four of their final games . If they can finish the season 11-1, they would be a near lock to host a first-round playoff game .
Oklahoma Faces a Daunting Gauntlet
For the 6-2 (2-2 SEC) Sooners, a second loss places their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy . Their path does not get easier; in fact, it becomes a brutal gauntlet. Oklahoma's final four games are all against ranked opponents: road trips to No. 17 Tennessee and No. 4 Alabama, followed by home games against No. 15 Missouri and No. 20 LSU . As a result, their playoff odds have dwindled to just 10% . The margin for error has been completely eliminated, and navigating this stretch with only one or zero losses is now a monumental task for Brent Venables's squad .
What's Next?
For Ole Miss: Managing Success and Expectations
Head coach Lane Kiffin will be tasked with ensuring his team avoids complacency against a remaining schedule that includes South Carolina, The Citadel, Florida, and a rivalry road game at Mississippi State . While the Rebels will be favored in each, the unpredictable nature of SEC play, particularly in the Egg Bowl against an improved Mississippi State team, means nothing can be taken for granted . Furthermore, this success could also impact the coaching rumor mill, as Kiffin's name has been linked to other jobs. A playoff berth would powerfully demonstrate that Ole Miss is a destination program capable of competing for national titles .
For Oklahoma: Finding Answers Under Pressure
The Sooners must quickly regroup for their difficult November slate. A primary concern is the performance of quarterback John Mateer, who has struggled with accuracy and decision-making since returning from thumb surgery on his throwing hand . Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle also faces scrutiny for moving away from the effective running game of Xavier Robinson during critical moments in the fourth quarter . For Oklahoma to salvage its season and keep its slim playoff hopes alive, it must find a way to steal at least one, if not two, victories against its four ranked opponents .
A Statement Win in Norman
The Ole Miss Rebels' victory over Oklahoma was more than just another check in the win column; it was a testament to the team's maturity and resilience. In a hostile environment, they withstood a powerful counterpunch from the Sooners and made the necessary plays in the fourth quarter to win. This triumph solidifies their status as a legitimate national contender and gives them control of their own destiny as the season enters its final stretch. For Oklahoma, the dream is now on life support, and the team must embark on one of the nation's toughest schedules to keep its playoff aspirations alive.