No. 13 Ole Miss Survives Arkansas 41-35 in SEC Shootout to Move to 2-0 in Conference Play

Trinidad Chambliss leads Rebels’ offensive surge, while TJ Dottery’s late forced fumble seals Home win at Vaught-Hemingway.

OXFORD, Miss. | In a game defined by explosive offense and high drama, the No. 13 Ole Miss Rebels (3-0, 2-0 SEC) outlasted the Arkansas Razorbacks (1-2, 0-1 SEC) in a thrilling 41-35 victory Saturday night at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The win kept Ole Miss unbeaten in SEC play and underscored its resilience in the face of a furious Arkansas comeback.

The matchup showcased fireworks from the start, with both teams combining for nine straight scoring drives in the first half and racking up 997 total yards of offense. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss guided Ole Miss with a balanced effort, throwing multiple touchdowns and adding a rushing score. At the same time, backup Austin Simmons stepped in during a key moment to toss a touchdown pass despite playing through injury.

Running back Kewan Lacy set the tone early, scoring on a short-yardage plunge after Arkansas committed a costly penalty on fourth down. Wide receiver Dae’Quan Wright and Wallace delivered clutch receptions, including a highlight 64-yard grab that set up another Chambliss rushing touchdown.

Arkansas, led by quarterback Green, refused to fold, responding with big plays through the air and on the ground, including a 20-yard scramble and a 5-yard touchdown run. Wideout Mike Washington added two touchdowns, keeping the Razorbacks within striking distance deep into the fourth quarter.

Special teams also proved decisive. Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro went 2-for-2 on field goals, including a key 36-yarder before halftime, while Arkansas missed two field goals that ultimately spelled the difference in a one-score game.

Defensively, the Rebels came up big when it mattered most. Cornerback Antonio Kite nearly had a red-zone interception before a penalty negated the play, but in the final two minutes, TJ Dottery forced a critical fumble, recovered by Wydett Williams Jr., sealing the win in front of a roaring home crowd.

With the victory, Ole Miss improves to 2-0 in SEC play for the second straight season, while Arkansas drops its conference opener. The Rebels now turn their attention to a pivotal non-conference showdown against Tulane (3-0) next Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN — a matchup expected to test their playoff aspirations.

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-- By Bronwyn A. Stone

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