14-Inning Epic: Rebels Topple Arizona State
Ole Miss survived a marathon 14-inning Regional thriller in Lincoln, outlasting No. 3 seed Arizona State behind late-game hero Brayden Randle’s walk-off single. After a frantic third inning—highlighted by Will Furniss’s two-run double and Tristan Bissetta’s two-run homer—the offense stalled into extras. In the bottom of the 14th, walks by Luke Romine and Bissetta set the stage for Hayden Federico’s infield single, then Randle found the gap between first and second to clinch the win. Starter Hunter Elliott shook off early struggles, while relievers Walker Hooks (5.1 IP) and Hudson Calhoun (3.2 IP) delivered extended, stingy stints against one of college baseball’s premier power clubs. Up next: a winners’ bracket clash with top-seed Nebraska.
Fans tuning in for a quick afternoon ballgame got a four-hour saga instead—complete with pitching changes, snack runs and existential dread between innings eight and thirteen. Somewhere in Lincoln, a concession stand manager is filing for overtime pay. The Rebels’ relief staff must have iron lungs or deep-seated masochism to log nearly nine combined innings without cracking under pressure. And let’s not forget Randle, who apparently moonlights as a human highlight reel, sliding into history with a single so dramatic it probably deserves its own ESPN montage set to Enya. Now, as Ole Miss readies for Nebraska, players are Googling “How to recover from emotional whiplash” and coaches are stocking up on deep-breathing exercises.
Meet the 5 Gators Who Could Crash Rebel Party
Florida brings five key playmakers into its Week 4 showdown with Ole Miss: running back Jadan Baugh, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and caught 33 passes last year; quarterback Aaron Philo, the Georgia Tech transfer known for clutch drives; defensive back Bryce Thornton Jr., a ball-hawking tackler with ten pass breakups and four interceptions; linebacker Myles Graham, a run-stuffer who tallied 76 tackles and two sacks; and sophomore receiver Vernell Brown III, a 40-catch, SEC Freshman honoree pairing with Auburn transfer Eric Singleton Jr. Ole Miss fans should brace for a hostile crowd of 90,000 doing the Gator chomp and these five athletes eager to spoil Rebel homecoming.
Sure, Ole Miss fans love underestimating opponents—after all, nothing says “party” like planting lawn chairs in Gainesville and hoping the Gators arrive late. But these Florida folks didn’t read the invitation; they’re showing up early, rolling out the red carpet of blitz packages and end-zone dances. Jadan Baugh apparently tunneled through every defensive line in sight last season and now wants to tunnel his way through Rebel hearts. QB Aaron Philo is still figuring out if he’s a Tyrod Taylor or a secret weapon—so Ole Miss better keep an eye on whoever emerges. And if Bryce Thornton Jr. intercepts your Netflix password along the way, consider it collateral damage. Strap in, Rebels: the Gator invasion is more personal than a group text after karaoke night.
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