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The University of Mississippi Athletics
11/4/2026 | Football
OXFORD, Miss. - Head coach Pete Golding met with reporters this week alongside linebacker Tah'j Butler, wide receiver Caleb Cunningham and defensive tackle Will Echoles as the Rebels prepare to host Georgia on Saturday. With the first College Football Playoff rankings set to be released, the message inside the Manning Center remained the same: focus on the next game. This week's practice report is presented by Mississippi Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center.
Golding Emphasizes Physicality Ahead of Georgia Matchup
Golding spoke with great respect for Georgia and the program Kirby Smart has built, pointing to experience, recruiting and discipline as the foundation of the Bulldogs' success.
"I think he does a really good job of creating toughness in his program and discipline, and you can see it in his team," Golding said.
He also praised Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, describing him as a competitor who does not try to do too much.
"He's an elite game manager," Golding said. "Doesn't press, takes what the defense gives them, and he's been really efficient."
Golding said the key to the matchup starts up front, drawing on lessons from the two games against Georgia last season.
"If you can't stop the run versus those guys, it's a long night," he said. "We got to play really physical up front, be really sound at the second level and have erasers, and you can't give up explosives versus these guys."
With the first College Football Playoff rankings approaching, Golding said the Rebels remain focused on controlling what they can each week.
"This team knows for a long time we control our destiny every Saturday," he said. "So we better do everything that we can Monday through Friday to give ourselves our best shot."
Golding also credited the atmosphere in Oxford for the Rebels' success at home, pointing to the combination of talented players, coaching and the fan base.
"When you have really good football players that are well coached and you have an unbelievable fan base that comes in and creates a great environment, it's hard to play," he said.
Golding highlighted the development of Cunningham, who came to Ole Miss out of high school and has continued to grow within the program.
"He came here out of high school, learned the system, waited his turn and is playing really good football right now," Golding said.
He also praised the depth of the roster, specifically Butler's ability to step in and contribute when Luke Ferrelli was unable to play.
"He's got a really high football IQ and he's doing a really good job finishing on the ball carrier," Golding said.
Golding also took time to recognize Echoles for his character away from the field.
"He's got an unbelievable heart, but he comes from the right people," he said.
Butler Focused on Physical Battle Against Bulldogs
Butler echoed Golding's emphasis on physicality, saying the Rebels understand the challenge Georgia presents and must match the Bulldogs' intensity.
"They're a physical group," Butler said. "We just got to come in and try to out-physical them."
Butler, who grew up in New Orleans and transferred to Ole Miss from Georgia Tech, also reflected on watching last season's Sugar Bowl matchup from home and the opportunity to experience the atmosphere himself this weekend.
"I want to play in this environment," he said.
Cunningham Credits Fans for Home-Field Advantage
Cunningham, a Mississippi native, understands the importance of the atmosphere at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and credited the Rebel faithful for bringing energy every Saturday.
"You got to give all the credit to the fans," Cunningham said. "They're the ones that bring the energy and we just feed off of it. We got the best crowd in America for sure."
The wide receiver also credited receivers coach L'Damian Washington for pushing him to improve each day and helping him continue to develop.
"I told him from the get-go I want you to coach me hard," Cunningham said. "That's only going to get me better."
Echoles Ready for Another Opportunity Against Georgia
Echoles said he looks forward to the matchup with Georgia every year, with last season's Sugar Bowl giving him an especially memorable connection to the Bulldogs.
"It's a big time game, a very physical game, a game you want to be a part of," Echoles said. "Last year I made a name for myself in this game in the Sugar Bowl. It's always a special time when I play them."
With the College Football Playoff rankings set to be released, Echoles said the Rebels understand the importance of every remaining game and are approaching each Saturday with a postseason mentality.
"Right now it's to the point where every game we play is a playoff game that we got to win," Echoles said. "That's the mindset we got."
With a tough opponent coming to town and an energized crowd expected, the Rebels will look to take another step forward Saturday against Georgia.
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