Mississippi rallies in third quarter to defeat Oklahoma, 26-14

On October 26, 2024, No. 18 Mississippi faced off against Oklahoma in a highly anticipated matchup in the United States. The game began with Oklahoma maintaining a slight lead of 14-10 at halftime, thanks to their ground game, which had been effective in the first half. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter as Mississippi capitalized on their opportunities to score two touchdowns, solidifying their lead and turning the tide of the game. Mississippi's defense, which had been a focal point throughout the season, stepped up significantly by tallying nine sacks against Oklahoma's quarterback Jackson Arnold. This defensive performance was crucial as it limited Oklahoma's ability to move the ball and mount a comeback after halftime. The Sooners struggled offensively, failing to cross the 50-yard line until the fourth quarter, illustrating their inability to effectively counter Mississippi’s powerful defense. The coaching changes at Oklahoma, including the firing of offensive coordinator Seth Littrell the previous week, created considerable uncertainty for the team. Joe Jon Finley's new play-calling duties did not yield positive results, as the Sooners abandoned their successful run game in response to falling behind. This victory for Mississippi not only helped them secure an important conference win but also revived discussions about their potential playoff candidacy, especially following an earlier loss to LSU. Oklahoma's defeat highlights the challenges they now face as they try to regroup under new offensive direction.