Ole Miss Falls to Florida 52-28 in SEC Opener

The University of Mississippi football team, ranked No. 4, lost its SEC opener 52-28 against Florida on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.

Deuce Alexander was the top receiver for Ole Miss, hauling in seven passes for 134 yards. It marked his second 100-yard game of the season. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss completed 25 of 34 passes for 298 yards, with one touchdown through the air and two rushing scores.

Ole Miss coach Pete Golding praised Florida’s environment and execution. “What an awesome environment,” Golding said. “We played a really good football team that is coached really well in a tough environment. We couldn’t get anything going in the first half and need to play better on all three phases. We have to do a better job coaching and preparing.”

Defensively, linebacker Keaton Thomas led the Rebels with 11 tackles and added a pass breakup. Defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis posted a career-high four tackles, and Blake Purchase recorded a tackle for loss for the second consecutive game.

Chambliss described the second-half effort, including a rushing touchdown that marked his 100th collegiate touchdown and his 40th on the ground. “We had a slow start offensively,” Chambliss said. “Getting things going in the second half was too late because their offense was rolling. We couldn’t get a stop. Credit to Florida.”

The Rebels will have a bye week before returning to play. Chambliss expressed confidence in his team despite the setback. “I’m super confident in our team,” he said. “We still believe we can compete for an SEC and national championship. Now we just need to focus on one game at a time.”

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