The Southeastern Conference has recognized a trio of Ole Miss football players for their excellence on the field during Saturday’s historic 28-10 win over then-No. 3 Georgia.
Coming in as the conference’s special teams player of the week is Rebel placekicker Caden Davis, who was responsible for 15 of Ole Miss’ points in the contest. Lane Kiffin’s offense’s struggle to move the chains on multiple occasions did not induce panicking as Davis proved to be a reliable asset.
The big-legged specialist was a perfect five-of-five in the must-win matchup, connecting from 23, 43, 53, 24, and 32 yards out — all delivered in rainy conditions.
Caden makes the FG to extend the lead 🔥@_cadendavis | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/iBJo6Jnlq3
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) November 9, 2024
Davis’ stellar night was also complemented by an equally impressive outing from Pete Golding’s defense. Collectively, the unit held Georgia to 245 total yards — the fewest number of yards the Bulldogs had been held to since 2017. But two specific stars shined in the making of the dominant showing.
Defensive end Jared Ivey and edge rusher Princely Umanmielen share the SEC’s co-defensive player of the week honor after practically living in the backfield all game.
Ivey, one of the Rebels’ most vocal leaders both on and off the field, recorded seven tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. Umanmielen was responsible for five tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hurry, and one forced fumble. Both made Georgia quarterback Carson Beck miserable all Saturday afternoon.
Momentum swing 💪@d1princely | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/luIrxNR55b
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) November 10, 2024
Georgia (7-2, 5-2 SEC) came into the matchup against Ole Miss (8-2, 4-2 SEC) with a 48-0 record against teams not named Alabama in four seasons. Nonetheless, the Rebels had their backs against the wall no room for error in the team’s pursuit to make an inaugural appearance in the College Football Playoff, and revenge on their mind.
Just one year ago, the Bulldogs trounced Ole Miss 52-17 in Athens, prompting Kiffin and company to do some soul-searching. The response by the Rebels’ staff, key veteran players, and fans contributing to the university’s exclusive name, image, and likeness collective resulted in Ole Miss adding quality talent to its roster through the transfer portal. A strong high school class also complimented the transfer additions.
Primed for a rematch, the Rebels went out on the gridiron and clobbered the nation’s most dominant program in recent years. Two early losses this season were seemingly erased from memory and playoff hopes have hit an all-time high for Ole Miss.
Ole Miss was ranked No. 16 in the first College Football Playoff poll of the 2024 campaign. However, the Rebels are expected to move up multiple spots.