2026 Sugar Bowl Predictions and Preview

We have trending betting tips for the exciting upcoming game between Georgia and Ole Miss, taking place on Thursday, January 1, 2026. This highly anticipated contest is part of the Playoff 1st Round and promises thrilling action as both teams vie for a chance to advance.

Game Details

The game is set to kick off at 19:00, although the stadium location remains unknown. While information about the coaches and referee is unavailable, fans can still anticipate a competitive atmosphere filled with intense plays and strategic calls.

Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs have shown strong performances in the previous season, including winning the SEC championship, making them a team to watch. In their last five games, they achieved impressive victories:

1. Georgia 28 - Alabama 7 (December 6, 2025)
2. Georgia 16 - Georgia Tech 9 (November 28, 2025)
3. Georgia 35 - Charlotte 3 (November 22, 2025)
4. Georgia 35 - Texas 10 (November 15, 2025)
5. Georgia 41 - Mississippi State 21 (November 8, 2025)

Defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann took plenty of criticism early in the season when his unit struggled to get off the field and stop opponents on third down. However, the Bulldogs are beginning to look more like the dominant defenses that powered their back-to-back CFP national championship runs in 2021 and 2022.

Over the past four games, Georgia has not allowed more than 81 rushing yards or 274 total yards of offense in any contest. During that stretch, opponents — Texas, Charlotte, Georgia Tech, and Alabama — combined to convert just 10 of 48 third-down attempts, a 20.8% success rate. The Bulldogs also forced five turnovers and recorded nine total sacks in those games, showing clear improvement across the board.

Ole Miss Rebels

On the other side, the Ole Miss Rebels are also in formidable form. Their last five games have yielded excellent results, showcasing their offensive and defensive prowess:

1. Ole Miss 41 - Tulane 10 (December 20, 2025)
2. Ole Miss 38 - Mississippi State 19 (November 28, 2025)
3. Ole Miss 34 - Florida 24 (November 15, 2025)
4. Ole Miss 49 - The Citadel 0 (November 8, 2025)
5. Ole Miss 30 - South Carolina 14 (November 1, 2025)

The Rebels will need tailback Kewan Lacy to be healthy and ready when they face Georgia in 12 days, as his presence could be critical to their chances. Ole Miss’ defense is expected to face a far tougher challenge in New Orleans than it has in recent weeks. The Rebels held a nine-point lead entering the fourth quarter at Georgia on Oct. 18, but the Bulldogs responded by scoring 17 unanswered points to secure a 43–35 win. Georgia dominated the line of scrimmage, controlling possession for all but 1 minute and 54 seconds of game time. The Bulldogs converted 6 of 11 third-down attempts and piled up 510 total yards of offense, including 221 yards on the ground, highlighting the physical gap Ole Miss must close.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The head-to-head rivalry between Georgia and Ole Miss has been fiercely contested. In their last encounters, Georgia emerged victorious on most occasions:

• Georgia 43 - Ole Miss 35 (October 18, 2025)
• Ole Miss 28 - Georgia 10 (November 9, 2024)
• Georgia 52 - Ole Miss 17 (November 11, 2023)

These results underscore the competitive nature of this matchup and hint at a close game ahead.

Predictions for the Game

1. Our prediction for this game is a moneyline win for Georgia at odds of -263 from Fanatics Sportsbook. Their strong form and home advantage make them favorites to take the win.
2. The best point spread is a win for Ole Miss at +7.0 points, with odds of -115 from Fanatics Sportsbook indicating that they are expected to keep the game tight.
3. In the points total betting market, the prediction leans towards an over of 56.5 points, with odds of -110 from Fanatics Sportsbook, suggesting both teams will score significantly.

Summary

This game between Georgia and Ole Miss promises to be a thrilling spectacle filled with action and unpredictability. With Georgia's strong season and a favorable betting line, they are expected to come out on top. However, Ole Miss will likely keep the pressure high, making the contest a nail-biter for fans. Make sure to tune in on January 1, 2026, for an unforgettable showdown!