### Ole Miss Upset by Kentucky in SEC Opener

In a surprising turn of events, No. 6 Ole Miss suffered a 20-17 defeat against Kentucky during their Southeastern Conference (SEC) opener in Oxford. The Rebels, who started the season with a perfect 4-0 record, encountered stiffer competition and ultimately fell short despite a strong start.

The pivotal moment came in the final minute of the game, when Ole Miss kicker Caden Davis missed a 48-yard field goal attempt with just 48 seconds left on the clock, which could have tied the score. The Rebels had managed to drive 44 yards in eight plays to reach the Kentucky 31-yard line, but their offense stalled, setting up the unsuccessful field goal attempt.

Kentucky took the lead late in the fourth quarter with 2:25 remaining, when Josh Kattus recovered a fumble by Gavin Wimsatt in the end zone. This touchdown completed a six-play, 83-yard drive that included a critical 63-yard pass from Brock Vandagriff to Barion Brown on a fourth-and-7 play from the Kentucky 20-yard line.

Vandagriff played a crucial role in the Wildcats' victory, throwing for 243 yards on 18-of-28 passing with a touchdown. Dane Key contributed significantly with eight receptions totaling 105 yards and a touchdown, while Demie Sumo-Karngbaye added 47 rushing yards on 11 carries.

Ole Miss had taken a brief lead, 17-13, at the end of the third quarter with a 48-yard touchdown pass from Jaxson Dart to Tre Harris on a fourth-and-7 play. Harris outpaced three Kentucky defenders to secure the touchdown. Harris ended the game with an impressive 11 catches for 176 yards and a touchdown. Dart completed 18 of 27 passes for 261 yards. On the ground, Henry Parrish Jr. led the Rebels with 62 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.

This game marked an important win for a Kentucky team that had experienced a tumultuous season, including a near victory over then-No. 1 Georgia. Ole Miss will next face South Carolina in Columbia, while Kentucky heads into a bye week before hosting Vanderbilt.

The loss was a major upset for Ole Miss and highlighted the unpredictable nature of SEC football, setting the scene for a challenging remainder of the season for the Rebels.