This Saturday, the Georgia Bulldogs face the Ole Miss Rebels at 3:30 p.m. ET in Oxford, Mississippi. According BetMGM, the Bulldogs are favored by 2.5 points.

Why will Ole Miss cover the spread and beat Georgia?

Front Seven

The Ole Miss front seven has been a driving force behind the defense’s impressive performance this season, marking a notable improvement from last year. Going into the transfer portal to get Walter Nolen from Texas A&M and Princely Umanmielen from Florida has helped the defensive line go from mediocre to now elite.

The Rebels' defense is ranked second in the nation in run defense at just 82.2 rushing yards per game, This unit’s relentless pass rush has translated into a national-best 41 sacks. This Ole Miss defense has the ability to disrupt both the pass and the run. If Ole Miss can effectively limit the Bulldogs’ rushing attack and make UGA's offense one-dimensional, then Ole Miss will be able to zero in on the passing game, creating consistent havoc and further controlling the pace of the game.

Desperation

This game is make-or-break for the Rebels’ College Football Playoff hopes, fueling a sense of urgency for Ole Miss to play like it’s their last game. With two losses earlier in the season, the Rebels now find themselves clawing and fighting to climb back into playoff contention.

A win here could shift the narrative for Ole Miss, positioning them as a prime candidate for an at-large bid and reviving their playoff aspirations. For Ole Miss, this is the moment to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.

Jaxson Dart

Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart has undoubtedly been the heartbeat of this team. Now in his third year with the system, he’s leading the nation with 3,210 passing yards and an impressive 7-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, Dart has proven he can win games on his own.

In this critical matchup, the Rebels will rely on him to deliver big plays. His mobility adds another layer of threat, as he can escape the pocket and make plays on the ground to extend drives.

Balanced Offense

While Ole Miss' passing game grabs most of the spotlight, Ole Miss’s run game plays a crucial role in keeping the offense balanced. Running back Henry Parrish Jr. ranks fourth in the SEC with 678 rushing yards and will be essential in keeping the Bulldog defense on its heels.

Wide receiver Tre Harris, who has missed the last few games, is trending toward a return and stands out as the top receiver the Bulldogs will face this season. Harris has racked up 987 receiving yards, ranking fourth nationally.

Adding to the Rebels' firepower, receiver Jordan Watkins enters the game with momentum after an explosive performance last week, recording 250 yards and five touchdowns. Together, this offensive trio will look to keep the Bulldog defense guessing.

Lane Kiffin

Lane Kiffin is one of the most creative offensive coaches in the country, known for designing plays that put his players in the best matchups to win. With a talented roster, he has the tools to create big plays and help the Rebels start strong on Saturday.

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Kiffin also knows Kirby Smart well from their time coaching together at Alabama and their matchup last year, where the Rebels lost 52-17. This experience could give Kiffin an edge as he looks to turn the tables.

This article originally appeared on Bulldogs Wire: 5 reasons Ole Miss can win vs Georgia