Full Breakdown
Ole Miss Edges Louisville in Thrilling Season-Opening Victory
9/7/2026, 9:50:24 PM
Game Summary
No. 9 Ole Miss secured a 41-38 win over No. 24 Louisville in the Music City Kickoff at Nissan Stadium. After trailing 13-10 in the third quarter, the Rebels built a 14-point lead in the fourth. Louisville answered with two quick touchdowns to tie the game at 38-38 with 1:28 left. Ole Miss then drove into Cardinal territory, and kicker Lucas Carneiro converted a 48-yard field goal as time expired to clinch the victory.
Background & Context
The matchup marked the season opener for both programs and the first test for first-year head coach Pete Golding at Ole Miss. The game was billed as the only ranked-team showdown of the weekend, setting the tone for the Rebels’ campaign.
Data & Statistics
- Quarterback Trinidad Chambriss: 336 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and one interception.
- Wide receiver Deuce Alexander: five receptions for 159 yards and two 62-yard touchdown catches.
- Tight end Caleb Odom: three receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown.
- Running back Kewan Lacy: 17 carries for 61 yards and one rushing touchdown before exiting with a leg bruise.
- Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz: 307 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 69 rushing yards and a 7-yard rushing touchdown.
- Total points scored: 79, with 63 points coming after halftime.
Official Statements & Responses
Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding praised the win, calling it “good for college football” and noting that the team handled adversity in its first game. He emphasized that the defensive lapses observed were “correctable” and that the squad would focus on communication and effort in upcoming film sessions. Louisville’s coaching staff highlighted the resilience of quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, who rallied the Cardinals to force overtime before the final field-goal attempt.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That was a heavyweight fight. That was a good football team, and we got punched in the mouth a lot,” — Pete Golding, miss head coach
- “From a communication standpoint, they’re all correctable,” — Pete Golding, miss head coach
What’s Next
The Rebels will return to Oxford the following Saturday to host Charlotte, with kickoff scheduled for the early evening and the game televised on ESPN2.
