Ole Miss Unstoppable in Opener with Georgia State

The No. 21 Ole Miss Rebels scored on all but four possessions en route to 63-7 victory over the Georgia State Panthers Saturday night.

Ole Miss ended the 2024 campaign ranking third in points scored per game (38.6). It appears that trend could likely continue in 2025.

“Our expectation is to see a lot of speed,” said Georgia State head coach Dell McGee on Ole Miss coming into the matchup. “They snap the ball on an average of 14-16 seconds after each play. Our coaches have done a good job, but there’s nothing like playing in the game and seeing it for themselves. We will have to get adjusted to the tempo and how fast Ole Miss will go.”

And “go fast” Ole Miss did. The Rebels first touchdown drive lasted just three plays, spanned 65 yards, and took a total of just 48 seconds.

After the early 7-0 lead for the Rebels, Chams Diagne intercepted a Austin Simmons pass and returned it to the Ole Miss 25 yard line. Unfortunately, the chance to cut into the lead was squandered on a drive that saw eight plays only gain 12 yards and result in a 31-yard missed field goal by kicker Liam Rickman.

The Wright Way.@austnsimmons ➡️ @DaequanWright pic.twitter.com/cwaYsgvwxf

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 31, 2025

The Georgia State offense would get another shot just five plays later, as Jordan Huff would intercept another Simmons pass, this time in the endzone for a touchback. The Panthers would punt on the ensuing possession and allow the Rebels to score on each of their three remaining drives in the first half. They stayed within striking distance though, adding a Javon Robinson touchdown on the pass from Christian Veilleux. The teams would exit the field for halftime with the score 25-7 in favor of the Rebels.

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗟.

Make that ✌️ takeaways for the @GeorgiaStateFB defense. ☀️🏈pic.twitter.com/LACapoPcI9

— Sun Belt Football (@SunBeltFB) August 31, 2025

The opening drive of the third quarter was telling. Kewan Lacy would get into the endzone on a 42-yard run and the Lucas Carneiro kick would push the score to 32-7.

Georgia State’s offense would fail to score again. Both Veilleux and Cameran Brown would combine for just 69 yards passing on the evening. The running back room, led by Rashad Amos with nine carries, would gain only 191 total yards. Meanwhile, the Rebels Austin Simmons would go 20-for-31 for 341 yards passing. He finished with three touchdowns on the night and two interceptions.

Kewan Lacy would eclipse 100 yards on the ground, finishing with 108 and three touchdowns while wide out Harrison Wallace III caught five passes for 130 yards and one touchdown.

Defensively, the Panthers were led by safety Jordan Huff who finished with eight total tackles, four of them solo. Josiah Robinson chipped in a sack and tackle for loss.

Georgia State will try to rebound at home in Week 2, as the Panthers welcome American Conference title contender, Memphis, for a 7 p.m. kickoff inside Center Parc Stadium.