Kewan Lacy ready for the moment as Ole Miss prepares for Georgia rematch in Sugar Bowl

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NEW ORLEANS — This Sugar Bowl feels different. For Ole Miss, it isn’t just another postseason trip to New Orleans or another matchup with Georgia — it’s a chance to finish a story that started months ago in Athens. With a berth in the College Football Playoff semifinals on the line, the Rebels return to the Superdome carrying confidence, perspective, and a renewed belief that they are not the same team that suffered their lone loss of the season. At the center of that belief stands sophomore running back Kewan Lacy, who is motivated and ready for the moment.

Earlier this season in Athens, the Georgia Bulldogs defeated Ole Miss, 43-35. But the Rebels have gone through many changes since that game. Now the team and its superstar running back Kewan Lacy are looking to punch their ticket to the semifinals.

Lacy’s season has been stellar thus far, including in the first round of the playoffs against Tulane where he ran for 87 yards and one touchdown on fifteen carries. Ole Miss fans held their breath as the sophomore phenom went down before the half with a shoulder injury. He later returned to the game but would sit out after appearing to be in a great deal of pain.

At the Sugar Bowl media day this week, Lacy indicated he is ready to play.  “Feeling good,” he said. “…It was just a little stinger in my AC joint,” he added.

In the team’s first matchup against the Bulldogs, Lacy only rushed for 31 yards, but he did tally two touchdowns. He talked about what went into his reduced production in that game.

“It was situational football. We were just running where we needed to. Like third and 2, short yardage. So I feel like if I get the opportunity up the field or anything like that, it will be a good game (in the Sugar Bowl).”

He knows it will be a tough game as each of the teams looks to move on in the playoffs. “I remember, it’s just a dog fight,” he commented. 

Lacy explained what he thinks the Rebels need to do to win the game Thursday.

Kewan Lacy on the rematch vs. Georgia

Sugar Bowl Matchup

Lacy is appreciative of having the opportunity to compete in the playoffs. “It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “Especially in the Sugar Bowl. We’re just blessed and thankful for the opportunity.”

Everyone knows it’s never easy to beat someone two times in a row. “I would say it’s hard to beat a team twice,” Lacy said.

Kewan Lacy on what the Rebels need to do to beat Georgia

The Missouri transfer believes his team has one definite difference from the first matchup. “We’re just getting more confident with throwing the ball, man coverage, and blitz. We’ve just gained more confidence,” he said.

Fan Interaction and Journey Here

Kewan anticipates the environment will be fun for Rebels since the game is taking place in New Orleans — a place to which Ole Miss fans love to travel. “It feels great. We’re going to have a lot of fans out there, so it’s going to be a great environment.”

Lacy expressed the significance of so much fan support surrounding the team.

Kewan Lacy

It’s not possible to overestimate just how much being in this playoff game means to Lacy.

Kewan Lacy

Kewan Lacy spent his freshman year playing at Missouri, getting limited time on the field. He then transferred to Ole Miss for his sophomore year, and he has shined brightly — recording 273 carries, 1,366 yards rushing, and twenty-one touchdowns.

Kewan Lacy

What’s Next

Ole Miss and Georgia face off in the Sugar Bowl at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on New Year’s night. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. CT broadcasting on ESPN.