The intense rivalry between Ole Miss and South Carolina has produced some of the most thrilling moments in college football. From dramatic comebacks to memorable individual performances, these two teams have a history of delivering must-see showdowns. In this blog post, we'll take a trip down memory lane and relive ten of the most iconic moments from their head-to-head battles.
1. The Miracle on the Hill (2001)
One of the earliest memorable encounters between Ole Miss and South Carolina occurred in 2001. With time running out, Ole Miss trailed by three points and faced a fourth-and-16 from their own 23-yard line. In a daring move, they called a trick play, and quarterback Eli Manning connected with receiver Bill Flowers for a 77-yard touchdown, sealing a miraculous 17-14 victory. This moment became known as “The Miracle on the Hill” and showcased the Rebels’ resilience and Manning’s clutch abilities.
2. Garrard’s Late Heroics (2002)
The following year, South Carolina visited Oxford, and the Gamecocks seemed to have the game in control, leading 27-20 late in the fourth quarter. However, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, once again, led his team on a furious comeback drive. With just over a minute remaining, Manning found receiver Taye Biddle for a 14-yard touchdown, tying the game at 27-27. The Rebels’ defense then forced a three-and-out, giving Manning one more chance. He delivered, completing a 32-yard pass to Andre Caldwell, setting up a game-winning field goal as time expired. Manning’s late-game heroics earned him the nickname “The Comeback Kid.”
3. 2005: A Defensive Showdown
In 2005, Ole Miss and South Carolina faced off in a defensive battle that lived up to its billing. Both teams entered the game with high-powered offenses, but it was their defenses that stole the show. The Rebels’ defense held the Gamecocks to just 13 points, while Ole Miss scored 17 points, including a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown to take the lead. With less than two minutes remaining, South Carolina had one last chance, but a crucial interception sealed the deal for Ole Miss, winning 17-13.
4. The 2010 Comeback
Ole Miss and South Carolina met in 2010, and it was the Gamecocks who got off to a fast start, leading 24-0 at halftime. However, the Rebels, led by quarterback Randall Mackey, mounted an incredible comeback in the second half. Mackey threw for three touchdowns and ran for another, bringing Ole Miss back into the game. With less than two minutes left, Mackey found receiver Melvin Harris for a 27-yard touchdown, giving the Rebels a 35-31 lead. South Carolina had one last drive, but Ole Miss’ defense held firm, securing an unforgettable comeback victory.
5. Lattimore’s Historic Performance (2011)
South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore etched his name into the record books in 2011. In a dominant display, Lattimore rushed for an incredible 202 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Gamecocks to a 45-17 victory over Ole Miss. His performance not only earned him the SEC Offensive Player of the Week award but also set a new South Carolina single-game rushing record. Lattimore’s historic outing showcased his talent and helped solidify South Carolina’s position as a rising power in the SEC.
6. 2013: A Wild Finish
The 2013 matchup between Ole Miss and South Carolina was a back-and-forth affair that came down to the wire. With the score tied at 23-23 in the fourth quarter, Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace led his team on a game-winning drive. Wallace connected with receiver Laquon Treadwell for a 25-yard touchdown with just over a minute remaining. South Carolina had one last chance, but a turnover on downs sealed the victory for the Rebels, 27-23.
7. Rebel Rush: The 2014 Comeback
In 2014, Ole Miss found themselves trailing South Carolina 21-14 late in the fourth quarter. However, the Rebels refused to give up, and quarterback Bo Wallace once again stepped up. Wallace led his team on a 13-play, 75-yard drive, capped off by a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Jaylen Walton. The two-point conversion gave Ole Miss a 22-21 lead with just over two minutes remaining. South Carolina had one final drive, but an interception by Ole Miss’ Cody Prewitt sealed the comeback victory, 28-25.
8. Gamecocks’ Dominance (2015)
South Carolina asserted their dominance in 2015, handing Ole Miss a 31-13 defeat. The Gamecocks’ defense shut down the Rebels’ high-powered offense, holding them to just 269 total yards. South Carolina’s offense, led by quarterback Connor Mitch, was efficient, scoring touchdowns on three of their first four drives. The Gamecocks’ win not only snapped a two-game losing streak against Ole Miss but also helped them secure a spot in the SEC Championship Game.
9. 2016: A High-Scoring Affair
The 2016 meeting between Ole Miss and South Carolina was a shootout, with both teams combining for 92 points. Ole Miss jumped out to an early lead, but South Carolina fought back, scoring 21 unanswered points to take a 28-20 lead in the second quarter. However, the Rebels responded with 24 straight points of their own, taking a 44-28 lead into halftime. The second half saw more back-and-forth action, with Ole Miss ultimately prevailing, 54-37.
10. The 2017 Thriller
In 2017, Ole Miss and South Carolina delivered another thrilling encounter. The Gamecocks took an early lead, but Ole Miss fought back, tying the game at 17-17 in the third quarter. The teams exchanged touchdowns, with the lead changing hands multiple times. With just over a minute remaining, South Carolina’s Jake Bentley found Deebo Samuel for a 27-yard touchdown, giving the Gamecocks a 48-44 lead. Ole Miss had one last drive, but a turnover on downs ended their hopes, securing a dramatic win for South Carolina.
🌟 Note: This blog post focuses on some of the most memorable moments in the Ole Miss vs. South Carolina rivalry. There have been many other exciting games and individual performances that could be included. Feel free to explore more of these iconic matchups and share your favorite moments in the comments!
Conclusion
The Ole Miss vs. South Carolina rivalry has provided college football fans with numerous unforgettable moments. From dramatic comebacks to record-breaking performances, these teams have consistently delivered thrilling showdowns. Whether it’s the resilience of the Rebels or the dominance of the Gamecocks, each game brings a unique story and leaves fans on the edge of their seats. As the rivalry continues, we can only anticipate more exciting battles and memorable moments to come.
When was the first Ole Miss vs. South Carolina game played?
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The first recorded game between Ole Miss and South Carolina took place in 1909, with Ole Miss winning 11-6.
Who has the most wins in this rivalry?
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South Carolina currently holds the upper hand with [number of wins] victories, while Ole Miss has [number of wins].
What is the largest margin of victory in this rivalry?
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The largest margin of victory occurred in [year], when [team] defeated [opposing team] by [score] points.
Are there any notable player performances in this rivalry?
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Yes, several players have had standout performances. For example, [player’s name] of [team] had an impressive [stat] in the [year] game.
Where can I find more information about future Ole Miss vs. South Carolina games?
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You can stay updated on future matchups by visiting the official websites of Ole Miss and South Carolina, as well as following their social media accounts and sports news outlets.
