Mississippi Rebels defensive back John Saunders Jr. (5) reacts with linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (11) after a defensive stop during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Watch: Ole Miss interception seals massive win over Georgia

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Nov 9, 2024 6:46 PM ET

The Ole Miss Rebels earned their most significant win of the Lane Kiffin era on Saturday.

It was senior defensive back John Saunders Jr. who essentially sealed the 28-10 win on a tipped pass from Georgia quarterback Carson Beck.

JOHN SAUNDERS JR. PICKS OFF CARSON BECK @OleMissFB pic.twitter.com/sRNk38XoWu
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 9, 2024

The turnover ended a 15-play, 9:27 Bulldogs drive with College Football Playoff No. 16 Ole Miss (7-2, 3-2 in SEC) leading 22-10.

No. 3 Georgia (7-1, 5-1 in SEC) was a 1.5-point favorite, but it's been outplayed on the road against the Rebels.

Ole Miss outgained Georgia 397-245, averaging 6.2 yards per play compared to 3.8 for the Bulldogs.

The interception was Beck's 12th in his last six games. Per the ABC broadcast, that's the most in a six-game stretch in the SEC since former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral in 2020.

Ole Miss likely kept its CFP hopes alive and remained in contention for an SEC title game berth. Thanks to Saunders' interception, the Rebels still have a chance to play for bigger prizes later this season.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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