No. 4 Ole Miss narrowly escaped a major upset at home, securing a 24-21 victory against Washington State in a dramatic homecoming game that tested the Rebels’ resolve and showcased quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’s dual-threat capabilities. The win keeps Ole Miss undefeated through six games for the first time since 2022, but the Cougars’ valiant effort as more than 30-point underdogs left fans with plenty to dissect.
The atmosphere at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for Ole Miss’s 98th homecoming game was electric, but what unfolded was far from the dominant performance many expected from the No. 4 ranked Rebels. Instead, the capacity crowd witnessed a gritty, down-to-the-wire contest against a determined Washington State team that refused to back down, ultimately ending in a 24-21 victory for Ole Miss on Saturday in Oxford, Miss., as reported by Field Level Media.
This narrow win extends Ole Miss’s perfect start to 6-0, a feat they haven’t accomplished since 2022. For head coach Lane Kiffin, it marked a significant milestone, making him the fastest coach in program history to reach 50 wins, needing just 68 games. This achievement further solidifies his impact on the program, with the Rebels boasting an impressive 22-2 record in non-conference action under his leadership, as detailed by Ole Miss Sports.
Chambliss Shines, Rebels Overcome Early Struggles
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was the engine for the Rebels’ offense, accounting for three total touchdowns in the game. He threw two touchdown passes and added a crucial 17-yard rushing touchdown. Chambliss completed 20 of 29 passes for 253 yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability that has become a hallmark of his four starts for Ole Miss, where he’s now accounted for 10 total touchdowns (seven passing, three rushing).
Despite Chambliss’s heroics, the Rebels faced a series of early missed scoring opportunities that kept Washington State in the game. These included a turnover on downs at the Cougars’ 4-yard line on their opening possession, a wide right 47-yard field goal attempt by Lucas Carneiro, and a costly fumble by Chambliss in Cougars territory following a holding penalty. These miscues allowed the underdog Cougars to build confidence and momentum.
Running back Kewan Lacy also delivered a career-high performance on the ground, rushing for 142 yards and averaging 5.9 yards per carry. This marked his third 100-plus rushing yard game of the season, pushing him over the 500-yard mark for the year.
Washington State’s Valiant Upset Bid
Washington State, entering the game as more than 30-point underdogs, played with remarkable resilience and determination. Quarterback Zevi Eckhaus led the Cougars’ attack, passing for 218 yards and two touchdowns. His 26-yard touchdown pass to Landon Wright in the first quarter gave Washington State an early 7-0 lead, silencing the home crowd.
The Cougars continued their impressive fight in the second half. After receiving the kickoff, Kirby Vorhees’s 46-yard touchdown run capped a 75-yard drive, giving Washington State a 14-10 lead in the third quarter. Even after Ole Miss regained the lead, Eckhaus connected with Tony Freeman for a 19-yard touchdown pass with just 2:43 left in the game, trimming the Rebels’ lead to a precarious three points.
The Cougar’s tenacity was evident in their final possession, starting at their own 10-yard line with just 1:09 remaining and no timeouts. While they couldn’t reach field-goal range before time expired, their late-game push, including a defensive pass interference call on Ole Miss and a last-ditch lateral attempt, kept fans on the edge of their seats until Kam Franklin made the game-sealing tackle on Leo Pulalasi.
Key Moments and Defensive Stands
The game was a back-and-forth affair with several pivotal moments:
- First Quarter: Washington State struck first with Eckhaus’s 26-yard TD pass to Landon Wright after an Ole Miss missed field goal.
- Second Quarter: Lucas Carneiro’s 40-yard field goal finally put Ole Miss on the board. Later, Chambliss’s 2-yard touchdown pass to Dae’Quan Wright with 31 seconds left in the half gave the Rebels a 10-7 lead.
- Third Quarter: Kirby Vorhees’s 48-yard run put the Cougars back in front 14-10. Chambliss’s 17-yard rushing touchdown recaptured the lead for Ole Miss, 17-14.
- Fourth Quarter: Chambliss’s 35-yard touchdown pass to Cayden Lee provided what seemed like breathing room, making it 24-14. However, Eckhaus’s subsequent 19-yard TD to Tony Freeman ensured a tense finish.
Defensively, Ole Miss struggled at times but ultimately made key plays when it mattered. They finished with a season-high four sacks, led by Kam Franklin’s 1.5 sacks. Franklin, along with TJ Dottery, Wydett Williams Jr., and Tahj Chambers, each recorded six tackles. A critical factor was Washington State’s inefficiency on third downs, converting only 2-for-10 (20 percent) throughout the game.
Looking Ahead: Rebels Eye Georgia Clash
While the victory was a hard-fought one, it undeniably raised some questions for Ole Miss fans about their team’s consistency against a lesser-ranked opponent. However, the ability to win ugly and overcome adversity is often a hallmark of successful teams.
The Rebels will need to quickly regroup and tighten up their play as they face a monumental challenge next week. They hit the road for an SEC clash against No. 10 Georgia, a game with significant implications for their national ranking and SEC championship aspirations. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.
