Full Breakdown
Ole Miss Rebels Ride LSU Victory Toward Florida Showdown
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Ole Miss Upsets LSU
The Ole Miss Rebels defeated the LSU Tigers 32-24 on Saturday night, a win that propelled the Rebels to a 3-0 start and a No. 4 national ranking. The victory came in a highly anticipated matchup that featured Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford as LSU’s head coach.
Background & Context: Early-Season Stakes
Entering the 2026 season, Ole Miss had already secured two wins, including a season-opening triumph over Louisville. The LSU game was billed as a litmus test for Pete Golding’s program, especially given the media focus on Kiffin’s comeback.
Data & Statistics
- Ole Miss record: 3-0, ranked No. 4 nationally.
- LSU rank at the time: No. 21.
- Ole Miss entered the Florida game as a 2.5-point underdog (line later moved to 3.5).
- Running back Kewan Lacy: 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns last season (SEC-leading). In the LSU game he logged 43 yards and a touchdown on nine carries before exiting with a left-shoulder injury.
- Wide receiver Traylon Ray: 7 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown.
- Wide receiver Deuce Alexander: 7 receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Pete Golding emphasized that the September win does not define the season. He indicated that Lacy’s status as the primary running back will not change if he can play through the discomfort.
Defensive standout Sharif Denson, who debuted with eight tackles, was praised by Golding for stepping up after a rough start, underscoring the depth of the Rebels’ secondary.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The goals and expectations isn't about winning one football game in September,” — Pete Golding, coach
- “It's gonna be a great matchup. So just going into practice, just work on techniques and things that they're gonna do, just watching a lot of tape,” — Deuce Alexander
What’s Next: Florida Game and Season Outlook
The Rebels travel to Gainesville for a nationally televised contest against the No. 21 Florida Gators, scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET. Despite being listed as underdogs, Ole Miss faces a challenging SEC slate that includes matchups with Vanderbilt, Missouri, Texas, Auburn, Georgia, Oklahoma, Wofford and Mississippi State. The CFP selection committee’s protocol notes that player availability, such as Lacy’s health, can influence a team’s overall grade. Golding reiterated that the program’s goals extend beyond a single September win, aiming for a ten-win season that could secure a College Football Playoff berth.
