Ole Miss had the first scoring opportunity in the opening quarter, but kicker Caden Davis missed a 32-yard field goal attempt. The Rebels soon regrouped, with former Comeaux standout Tre Harris hauling in a crucial 47-yard catch that brought the ball to LSU’s 38-yard line. This set up Davis for a 49-yard field goal, giving Ole Miss the lead just five seconds into the second quarter.
Following a failed fourth-down conversion by LSU, Ole Miss capitalized with a quick 59-yard drive. Ulysses Bentley IV broke free for a 50-yard touchdown run, extending the Rebels’ lead to 10-0.
LSU responded with a six-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Garrett Nussmeier to freshman Trey’Dez Green, cutting the score to 10-7.
Ole Miss came back strong, orchestrating a 75-yard drive capped by Harris’ incredible touchdown grab, restoring their 10-point lead. However, the Tigers weren’t done. Nussmeier led LSU on a drive late in the half, seemingly connecting with Zavion Thomas for a 16-yard touchdown. But the play was overturned after Thomas dropped the ball in the end zone, forcing LSU to settle for a 33-yard Damian Ramos field goal to make it 17-10.
With seconds remaining in the half, Ole Miss got the ball back, but LSU’s Whit Weeks forced a crucial fumble that was recovered by former Acadiana High star Dominic McKinley, giving LSU possession at the 30-yard line. The Tigers couldn’t capitalize offensively, but Ramos added his second field goal, bringing the score to 17-13 at halftime.
LSU’s defense stepped up in the third quarter. A strip sack on Jaxson Dart, followed by an Ole Miss personal foul, left the Rebels facing a 3rd-and-37. LSU moved the ball deep into Rebel territory on their ensuing drive but failed to convert a field goal as Ramos missed from inside 30 yards.
Ole Miss countered, marching down the field before LSU’s defense held firm, forcing another Davis field goal to keep the game within one score at 20-13. Ramos then drilled his third field goal to close the gap to 20-16.
As Ole Miss pressed, driving to LSU’s 20-yard line, two costly penalties pushed the Rebels backward. Jaxson Dart fired to the end zone, but Zy Alexander intercepted the pass, giving LSU a crucial stop. The Tigers immediately returned the favor, with Trey Amos intercepting Nussmeier’s pass, intended for Kyren Lacy, on the very next play.
The Rebels tacked on another field goal late, extending their lead to 23-16. But LSU wasn’t done yet. Nussmeier led a 13-play, 75-yard drive, finishing with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Anderson, tying the game and forcing overtime.
In the first overtime possession, penalties stalled Ole Miss’ drive, but Davis salvaged it with a 57-yard field goal to take a 26-23 lead. LSU quickly responded. On the first play of their drive, Nussmeier connected with Kyren Lacy in the corner of the end zone for a 25-yard walk-off touchdown, giving LSU a dramatic 29-26 victory.
Key Stat: 14
LSU scored touchdowns on their final two drives, overcoming offensive struggles throughout the night to secure the win.
Player of the Game: Whit Weeks / Garrett Nussmeier
Whit Weeks was a force on defense, making key plays throughout the game. Meanwhile, Nussmeier shook off early struggles to deliver when it mattered most, throwing two crucial touchdown passes to lead the Tigers to victory.