UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the Ole Miss Rebels narrowly defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 41-35 on September 23, 2023, in Oxford, Mississippi. A pivotal forced fumble by TJ Dottery ended Arkansas’ potential game-winning drive with just 1:52 left in the fourth quarter.
The Rebels’ defense stepped up when it mattered most, recovering the game’s only turnover, which allowed Ole Miss to improve to 3-0 this season, maintaining their position at the top of the SEC standings. Meanwhile, Arkansas fell to 2-1, suffering their first loss of the year.
“We’ve had a lot of wild ones with these guys,” said Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin post-game. “It’s a good win for us.” The encounter was marked by fierce competition, with a staggering total of 997 yards of offense and scoring on each of the first nine possessions.
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green dazzled with a total of 416 yards—305 passing and 111 rushing—while Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss, stepping in for injured starter Austin Simmons, showcased impressive skills with 415 yards of offense, including 357 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Kiffin praised his team’s resilience, stating, “It felt like whoever had the ball last would win. That’s the kind of series this is — it’s always wild.” The thrilling atmosphere was palpable, as both teams combined for 53 first downs throughout the game.
As the game neared its conclusion, Dottery’s critical play halted Arkansas’ momentum, forcing a fumble from wide receiver Jalen Brown at the Rebels’ 24-yard line. The turnover was recovered by Wydatt Williams, Jr., sealing the victory for the home team.
Despite the loss, Kiffin acknowledged Arkansas’s efforts, saying, “They had a great game plan and played really hard.” The tension was evident, especially as the Razorbacks trailed 31-28 at halftime, with each side managing only one touchdown in the second half.
Kiffin also expressed concern for Arkansas defensive back Kani Walker, who was carted off the field after an injury. ESPN’s Taylor McGregor reported Walker had movement in all extremities, prompting Kiffin to state, “Really hope their player is okay that got injured in the game.”
The kicking game also played a significant role, as Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro successfully converted field goals of 36 and 23 yards, while Arkansas kicker Scott Starzyk missed attempts from 51 and 49 yards.
As the SEC season progresses, Ole Miss’s performance solidifies their status as a formidable contender, while Arkansas will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming matchups. Fans will be eagerly watching how both teams adjust following this thrilling encounter, with Kiffin praising his coaching staff’s preparation, remarking, “Great job by Coach Judge, Coach Weiss, to have a backup quarterback ready to go in and perform.”
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as both teams prepare for their next challenges in the competitive SEC landscape.
