No. 4 Ole Miss takes on No. 8 Georgia this Saturday in Athens, and there are plenty of arguments for why they could end up beating the 7.5-point favorite Bulldogs. The 6-0 Rebels have exceeded all offensive expectations of the season so far, with QB Trinidad Chambliss handling the key to their offense.
But more than their offense, Ole Miss will most likely prey on the weaknesses Georgia has this season to pull a shocking one against them on Saturday.
1. Georgia's pass-rush problems
Georgia's pass rush has been inexplicably terrible this season as Smart's squad has been struggling heavily to even stop the pass against most of its opponents. Ranked 112th among FBS teams in sacks–with just one sack coming from a true defensive end or tackle all season long, this could be a key nerve Kiffin exploits.
And expect Ole Miss to do so since they have a formidable immediate deep-passer in Trinidad Chambliss leading an explosive Ole Miss offense.
Georgia's major shortcoming is giving up far more explosive plays (17 of 20+ yards). Combine Chambliss' mobility to stress a defense horizontally, and the Rebels being the No. 1 FBS team for explosive plays of 30+ yards, and it creates a very concerning scenario for Georgia.
Add the fact that Chambliss ranks among the top QBs in the country at avoiding pressure, and Georgia might have no answer for what the Rebels offense brings to the gridiron.
2. Can Gunner Stockton handle the pressure?
Quarterback is another position that Georgia is struggling with desperately. QB Gunner Stockton has been having great trouble finding his footing halfway into the season.
The Bulldogs' last game against Auburn brought out the worst in Stockton's passing efficiency as he hit a season low of 5.7 yards per attempt. Even against Alabama, the only game Smart couldn't match, Stockton's average dipped to 6.5 yards per attempt from his usual 7.5 this season, which is the lowest yard-per-attempt number in any of his games against a conference opponent this season.
Ole Miss's defense sure has its own shortcomings, but they will be capable enough to hold off Stockton by forcing him to play some deep balls and vertical shots, as he has struggled the most with them this season.
Kiffin will make the most out of these two advantages the Rebels have over Georgia to continue their winning record and build a winning streak against Smart's squad..