CFB Playoff Picture 2024-25: Updated Standings and Bracket Predictions after Week 5 | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Entering Week 5, Ole Miss appeared to have one of the most dominant offenses in college football after shutting down its first four opponents.

The Rebels faced their first real test on Saturday and failed. Kentucky defeated Ole Miss 20-17, marking the Wildcats’ first top-10 road win since 1977, when they defeated No. 4 Penn State in State College.

Kentucky hasn’t been particularly impressive this season. While South Carolina played a close game against top-ranked Georgia team two weeks ago, the Wildcats narrowly beat Old Dominion 31-6 in Week 2.

What was the difference for Ole Miss this week after a string of 40-plus point performances? It faced a real defense.

Quarterback Jaxson Dart’s 261 passing yards were his fewest this season by more than 100 yards. The Rebels had just 92 rushing yards after posting more than 200 yards in each of their first four games.

It wasn’t exactly an offensive performance from Kentucky, as the Wildcats only had 336 yards of total offense, but they beat Ole Miss by slowing the pace of the game and avoiding turnovers. If Kentucky can do that, the Rebels should also face tougher opponents like LSU, Oklahoma and Georgia later this season.