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Kim Hoyt Bryson

By
Now Habersham
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Kim Hoyt Bryson, age 66, of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

Kim was born on October 5, 1959, in Hall County, Georgia, to the late Hoyt and Helen Gibson Bryson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his nephew, Jonathan Duncan.

Kim was a member of First Baptist Church of Cornelia, where his faith was an important part of his life. He retired as the Owner and Operator of Bryson Auto Parts in Cornelia, joining the family business at just 14 years old. He was a proud member of Mt. Airy Masonic Lodge #141, F. & A.M. Kim was also an accomplished Eagle Scout, an achievement that reflected his leadership, discipline, and strong moral character from a young age. An avid marksman, Kim greatly enjoyed skeet shooting and spending time outdoors. He was a devoted NASCAR racing fan and never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs, supporting his favorite teams.

Survivors include his loving wife, Carolyn Bryson, of Cornelia; brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Ruth Bryson, of Gainesville; sister and brother-in-law, Deborah and Wayne Worsham, of Cornelia; sister and brother-in-law, Miriam and Joey Duncan, of Clarkesville; sister and brother-in-law, Rebecca and Tim Buttram, of Cornelia; niece, Adrien B. Haddad, nephew, Kevin Worsham, Michael Worsham, niece, Tracy Brooks; niece, Melissa Carroll; and other extended family.

Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Rev. Mickey Carroll officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation at 1575 NE Expressway, Atlanta, Georgia 30329 or to the Gideon’s International Habersham South Camp, P.O. Box 195, Baldwin, Georgia 30511.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.

Ronald A. White

By
Now Habersham
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Ronald A. White, age 82, of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

Mr. White was born on March 31, 1943, in Odum, Georgia, to the late Ruth Yarborough White. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Janice B. White; step-father, John Turner; and brother, Kenneth White.

Ronald proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army, being stationed in Korea, then serving his tour during the Vietnam War. He then had a distinguished 40-year career in telecommunications. He began his employment with Southern Bell, later working through the transitions to BellSouth and ultimately AT&T, from which he retired after four decades of dedicated service. A man of deep faith, Ronald was actively involved in church life wherever he lived. He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Wilton Manors, Florida, before relocating to Georgia, where he became active at Cornelia Presbyterian Church. After returning to Florida, Ronald joined Calvary Chapel in Pompano Beach, where he faithfully served in numerous ministries. Among these was the Body Builders Ministry, through which he helped provide home repair services to single mothers. He also participated in mission trips, Operation Christmas Child, and other outreach efforts. Using his remarkable skills as a craftsman, Ronald even built pulpits for his own church and for other congregations. Ronald had a gift for handywork and could fix nearly anything. He found great joy in working with his hands, serving others, and using his talents to glorify God. Above all, he devoted his life to God, Jesus, and his family, the three things he held closest to his heart.

Survivors include his daughter, Lisa Hench, of Cornelia; daughter and son-in-law, Jodi and Ken White, of Lavonia; grandchildren, Kelley and Matthew Belcastro; Heather Hench; Angela and Chris Rudan; great-grandchildren, Cristian, Alexander, Elsi, Atticus, and Colton; sisters, Linda McClennon and Cathy Phieffer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be announced once made available.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.

Two charged with 88 counts each of animal cruelty released on bond in Hall County case

By
Patrick Fargason
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HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Two people charged with dozens of animal cruelty counts in an ongoing Hall County investigation have been released from jail after posting bond, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.

Eric Blane Autry, 56, and Lynn Marie Jones, 59, were each arrested on 88 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals. Both suspects posted $26,000 bonds and were released from the Hall County Jail on Dec. 24, BJ Williams, public information officer for the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, said. The case remains open.

Joy Licciardi, public information officer for Hall County, said investigators have made two arrests but continue working through the case.

“This is still an open case, but I can confirm there were two arrests made in connection to this case,” Licciardi said. “Each individual was charged with 88 counts of animal cruelty.”

Several animals involved in the case are currently in the care of Hall County Animal Services, while others have been transferred to rescue groups, Licciardi said.

“The animals currently in our care are not yet available for adoption,” Licciardi said. “They are still under evaluation and receiving veterinary care.”

County officials have not released details about the circumstances that led to the arrests or the conditions in which the animals were found. Licciardi said Animal Control continues working through the charges as the investigation moves forward.

Additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.

Hart County traffic stop leads to meth, theft charges

By
Kevin Angell
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Meth deputies say they seized following a traffic stop in Hart County on Christmas Eve 2025. (Hart County Sheriff's Office)

HART COUNTY, Ga. – Two people face felony drug charges following a traffic stop in Hart County on Friday afternoon.

On Dec. 26, just after 3 p.m., a deputy with the Hart County Sheriff’s Office stopped a gold 2001 Ford Windstar van. The stop occurred at the intersection of Elberton Highway and Hodges Mill Road.

According to a Sheriff’s Office social media post, the deputy initiated the stop after recognizing the driver as 43-year-old David Donald Diehl. The deputy “was aware that he had an outstanding warrant through Banks County.”

While deputies waited for confirmation of the warrant, they searched the vehicle. During the search, authorities discovered “approximately 22 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, baggies, syringes, and an additional unknown brown substance,” according to the police report.

Deputies also found a driver’s license that had been reported stolen in a separate case involving a vehicle break-in.

Diehl, a resident of Hartwell, was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
  • Theft by receiving stolen property
  • Possession of drug-related objects

The passenger, 38-year-old Michelle Lynn Smith of Danielsville, was also arrested. She is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Both suspects were taken to the Hart County Jail without incident.

Neighbors helping neighbors: Cornelia Soup Kitchen serves meals with dignity and compassion

By
Patrick Fargason
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Volunteers with The Cornelia Soup Kitchen serve meals on Thanksgiving Day. (Facebook)

CORNELIA, Ga. — On any given serving day in Cornelia, a hot meal is only part of what people receive at The Lord’s Help Cornelia Soup Kitchen.

There is also a handshake. A smile. And, for many, a reminder that they matter.

“For us, serving others has never been about recognition — it’s always been about showing up,” said Leeann Waller, president of the soup kitchen. “Wherever I’ve lived, I’ve felt a responsibility to help where I can and to make sure people know they matter.”

Waller’s connection to the Cornelia Soup Kitchen grew organically after she moved to Habersham County. Her husband, Bill, volunteered every Friday, quietly and consistently. Before long, the couple began serving together on Saturdays.

“What started as lending a helping hand quickly became something deeply personal to us both,” Waller said.

The Cornelia Soup Kitchen, also known as The Lord’s Help, operates with a simple but vital mission: to ensure no one in the community goes without a hot meal, dignity or compassion. Those served include families, seniors and individuals navigating difficult seasons of life.

“Many come quietly, grateful not only for food, but for kindness and respect,” Waller said. “Hunger affects people from all walks of life, and we see that every time we open our doors.”

The kitchen relies heavily on volunteers and community support to keep meals coming. While food donations are important, Waller said financial contributions and partnerships are essential to sustaining daily operations and planning for the future.

Looking ahead, she hopes to see the soup kitchen open seven days a week — a goal that would provide more consistent support for those in need but would also require expanded resources.

“To grow, we need volunteers, financial support and local partnerships,” Waller said. “Monetary donations help us sustain daily operations and allow us to plan responsibly for what’s ahead.”

Waller emphasizes that the soup kitchen is not owned by any one person or group.

“This soup kitchen belongs to the community,” she said. “Its strength comes from neighbors helping neighbors and people choosing compassion over convenience.”

For those interested in getting involved, the Cornelia Soup Kitchen welcomes volunteers, donations and partnerships. Contributions can be mailed to P.O. Box 3, Cornelia, GA 30531, or made via PayPal at [email protected]. More information is available through the organization’s Facebook page.

“In Habersham County, small acts of service continue to make a big impact,” Waller said. “And there is always room at the table for one more.”

New Year’s Eve celebrations in and around Northeast Georgia

By
Staff Report
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The New Year will soon arrive, and for those looking for a good place to celebrate, here’s a variety of events happening in and around Northeast Georgia.

If you have a celebration to add to this list, email [email protected].

Athens-Clarke County

Athens Rock Lobsters Post Game New Year’s Eve Party
Akins Ford Arena
155 Hickory Street, Athens, GA
Ring in the New Year with high-energy hockey as the Athens Rock Lobsters take the ice at Akins Ford Arena on New Year’s Eve. Doors open at 6 p.m., with puck drop set for 7 p.m. as Athens’ hometown team faces off against the Columbus River Dragons. Win or lose, the celebration continues with a post-game New Year’s Eve party inside the arena, featuring a balloon drop and confetti. Tickets range from $28 to $50 and are available through the Classic Center box office.

Cobb County (metro Atlanta)

New Year’s Eve at the Battery
The Battery
800 Battery Avenue, SE, Atlanta, GA
Ring in 2026 at The Battery Atlanta during the New Year’s Eve Bash presented by Xfinity, featuring two celebrations designed for all ages. Festivities begin with Early Innings from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Plaza, offering family-friendly fun, live entertainment by Uncle Jumbo at the Georgia Power Pavilion Stage, inflatable baseballs throughout the evening, and an early New Year’s countdown at 8 p.m. The party continues with Late Innings from 9 p.m. until midnight, highlighted by live music from 12 South Band, a midnight countdown, pyrotechnics, confetti, and aerial fireworks.

Fulton County

Countdown over ATL
Ring in the New Year with Atlanta’s citywide New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Drone Show, lighting up the sky at midnight on December 31. The large-scale countdown celebration replaces the Peach Drop and will feature a coordinated drone display and fireworks. The show will be visible from multiple viewing areas across Downtown and Midtown, giving revelers plenty of vantage points to welcome the New Year in the heart of the city.

Franklin, North Carolina

New Year’s Eve Ruby Drop
Crabtree General Store
41 Lotla Street, Franklin, North Carolina
A favorite downtown tradition, the New Year’s Eve Ruby Drop returns to Franklin for its 12th year, hosted by the Crabtree family with support from the Town of Franklin. Inspired by Brasstown’s Possum Drop, the celebration features two ruby drops, an ‘early bird drop’ at 9 p.m. and another at midnight to welcome 2026. The 800-pound, seven-foot ruby, built by the Crabtree brothers and lit with more than 1,500 red lights, will descend from 60 feet in the air as the crowd counts down to the New Year. The event begins at 8 p.m., featuring live music by Blue Mountain Movement and free carriage rides from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Hall County

New Year’s Eve Bash featuring Fly Betty
The Hall at Bourbon Brothers
312 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Gainesville, GA
Ring in the New Year with live music and a midnight toast at The Hall at Bourbon Brothers. Doors open at 7 p.m., with music starting at 8 p.m. for guests 21 and older as local favorite Fly Betty takes the stage. Presented by Jim Shorkey Auto Group, the New Year’s Eve celebration includes a champagne toast at midnight with every ticket, inviting guests to welcome 2026 together. Ticket information, HERE.

Lanier Islands NYE party: Havana Nights
Lanier Islands Resort
7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA
At Lanier Islands Resort, New Year’s Eve comes with options, designed to suit different rhythms of celebration. Families can head to Game Changer for a lively, kid-friendly evening featuring arcade games, a DJ, dancing, face painting, and an early countdown capped with a sparkling cider toast at 7 p.m.

Adults looking for a later night can choose from the resort’s 21+ celebrations, including a Havana Nights–themed party in the Grand Ballroom. Live music from Accent sets the tone for dancing, paired with a cocktail reception, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and a midnight champagne toast. Some packages include overnight accommodations, New Year’s Day breakfast, and late checkout, turning the evening into a full stay rather than a single event.

New Year’s Eve at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
Margaritaville Hotel
7650 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA
Celebrate the start of 2026 at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, where family, friends, and lakeside magic come together for a festive New Year’s Eve. The celebration features live entertainment, an all-you-can-eat appetizer bar, and a midnight fireworks show, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Guests should note that vehicles entering Lanier Islands Resort are subject to a $20 resort parking fee, regardless of the length of stay. Complimentary parking is available for season pass holders who present their pass. After 5 p.m., a Magical Nights of Lights ticket is required for resort entry.

Towns County

New Year Fireworks
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA
Ring in the New Year early with a New Year Fireworks celebration at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. The free, family-friendly event takes place on Wednesday, December 31, with the parking lot and food trucks opening at 6 p.m. Fireworks will light up the sky at 8 p.m., offering a festive way to help usher in 2026 with a bang.

New Year’s Eve Gala
Brasstown Valley Resort
6321 US-76, Young Harris, GA
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 at the New Year’s Eve Gala at Brasstown Valley Resort, featuring a festive luau theme and an elegant night of celebration. The evening includes a gourmet dinner buffet, an open bar, dancing, and a balloon drop at midnight to ring in the New Year. Guests can turn the celebration into a getaway with the New Year’s Eve Guest Package, which includes overnight accommodations and a breakfast buffet to start 2026. The gala runs from 7:30 p.m. on December 31, 2025, until 12:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026. Reservations are required.

Union County

Blairsville: The Clock Strikes Gatsby
Living Water Winery & Vineyard
291 Living Water Lane, Blairesville, GA
At Living Water Winery & Vineyard, New Year’s Eve turns back the clock with a 1920s–themed celebration that leans into glamor and fun. The Clock Strikes Gatsby runs from 7 p.m. on December 31 until 12:30 a.m., inviting guests to step into a casino-style evening complete with gaming tables, a gourmet charcuterie spread, raffle giveaways, and a midnight champagne toast. The event encourages full period dress, from flapper dresses to pinstripes, pairing theatrical style with a setting that already lends itself to occasion. For those looking to mark the arrival of 2026 with a sense of spectacle and structure, the evening offers a clear beginning, a lively middle, and a well-timed countdown at midnight.

White County

Dropping of the Edelweiss
Helen Festhalle
1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Alpine style at the Dropping of the Edelweiss at the Helen Festhalle in Helen. The family-friendly event features live music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar, all leading up to the Edelweiss drop at midnight to welcome 2026. Admission is $30 for adults, $15 for children ages 6 to 16, and free for children under 6. Tickets will be sold at the door the evening of the event, with no advance ticket sales available.

Fire Weather Watch issued for Northeast Georgia; officials urge no outdoor burning

By
Joy Purcell
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The Fire Weather Watch in effect Tuesday, Dec. 30, covers all of Northeast Georgia. (Source: National Weather Service)

Public safety officials are urging residents to avoid all outdoor burning on Tuesday as dangerous fire weather conditions move into East and Northeast Georgia.

The National Weather Service office in Peachtree City has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the region, citing low relative humidity and gusty winds. The watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening and includes the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests.

Forecasters say winds could reach 25 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph along ridgelines and higher elevations in Northeast Georgia. Relative humidity levels are expected to drop below 25% by early afternoon, creating conditions that allow fires to start easily and spread rapidly.

(Source: NWS)

Extreme fire danger

Officials warn that the combination of strong winds and very dry air could lead to extremely dangerous fire behavior, prompting the designation of a Class 5 Extreme Fire Danger Day. Public safety agencies are asking residents to postpone any outdoor burning and use extreme caution with activities that could spark a fire.

A Fire Weather Watch means there is a high potential for critical fire weather conditions to develop within 12 to 96 hours. Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and be alert for the possible issuance of a Red Flag Warning, which would indicate even more severe conditions.

Those considering outdoor burning should check with local burn permitting authorities before doing so.

Georgia Southern beats Appalachian State 29-10, wins Birmingham Bowl

By
Associated Press
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Georgia Southern running back OJ Arnold (22) carries the ball as Appalachian State defensive back Jordan Favors (7) pursues during the first half of the Birmingham Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Birmingham. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — OJ Arnold had 152 yards rushing on 11 carries, Terrance Gibbs and Weston Bryant each had a rushing touchdown, and Georgia Southern beat Appalachian State 29-10 on Monday to win the Birmingham Bowl.

Georgia Southern (7-6) has made a bowl appearance in four consecutive seasons — all under fourth-year coach Clay Helton — for the first time in program history.

The Mountaineers went three-and-out on the game’s opening drive before Georgia Southern put together an 11-play, 66-yard drive that culminated when Gibbs ran for a 1-yard touchdown about 6 1/2 minutes in that gave the Eagles the lead for good.

Arnold ripped off a 58-yard run on the first play from scrimmage in the second half and, two plays later, Weston Bryant scored on a 3-yard run. JC French IV threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Sanders Jr. about five minutes later that made it 26-7.

Matthew Wilson was 12-of-22 passing for 128 yards and threw two interceptions for Appalachian State (5-8). He added 110 yards rushing — which included a 6-yard scoring run, the first TD of his career — late in the first half. Wilson, a redshirt freshman who is listed on the Mountaineers’ roster as a quarterback/defensive back, made his first appearance.

Noah Gillon, who started at QB for the Mountaineers, was 4-of-7 passing for 64 yards and threw two interceptions in Georgia Southern territory.

Tripp Bryant made field goals of 23,36 and 27 yards for the Eagles.

Georgia Southern beat the Mountaineers 25-23 on Nov. 6.

Columbus woman dies in Russell County crash

By
Robbie Watson
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(NowGeorgia.com)

 A two-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 9:56 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, has claimed the life of a Columbus, Ga., woman. Ruthie M. Phillips, 76, was fatally injured when the 2007 BMW 328i she was driving struck the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Alan D. Gough, 63, of Wingina, Va. Phillips was pronounced deceased at the scene. Alan D. Gough, Tammy J. Gough, 55, of Wingina, Va., and Cheyenne F. Gough, 23, of Wingina, Va., both passengers of the Chevrolet, were injured and transported to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Ga., for treatment.

 The crash occurred on Alabama 26 near U.S. 431, approximately 16 miles south of Phenix City, in Russell County. Nothing further is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.

Winter weather, high winds prompt power outages across Northeast Georgia

By
Patrick Fargason
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FILE PHOTO - Winter weather combined with strong winds caused scattered power outages across Northeast Georgia on Monday. (Hadley Cottingham/NowHabersham.com)

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Winter weather combined with strong winds caused scattered power outages across Northeast Georgia on Monday, prompting utilities to urge residents to remain cautious as unsettled conditions are expected to continue in the days ahead.

According to Georgia Power, the highest number of outages in the region was reported in Rabun County, where 1,286 customers were without power. Additional outages were reported in White County with 163 customers affected, Habersham County with 46 and Stephens County with 42.

Electric cooperatives were also impacted by the high winds. Georgia EMC reported 286 outages across the Northeast Region. Habersham EMC said earlier in the day that the majority of its outages were concentrated in White County.

Habersham EMC later reported improving conditions and steady restoration progress as winds eased.

“Crews are making great progress on the scattered outages today,” the utility said in a social media post. “The conditions (wind) are also improving. All crews and contractors have been working, and will continue to work, until every member has their power restored.”

The utility said some outages were caused by broken power poles and other wind-related damage, adding that repairs are being made as quickly and safely as possible.

While conditions improved Monday afternoon, forecasts indicate Northeast Georgia could face additional rounds of winter weather over the next several days, including periods of gusty winds and colder temperatures. Those conditions increase the risk of falling trees, downed power lines and additional outages, particularly in higher elevations and wooded areas.

Residents in Habersham, White, Lumpkin, Rabun, Hall, Banks, Franklin, Stephens and Hart counties are urged to remain weather-aware, secure loose outdoor items and avoid downed power lines. Utilities continue to recommend limiting travel during hazardous conditions and reporting outages directly to service providers.

Even as winds subside, lingering hazards can remain after a winter storm, and residents should use caution as crews continue restoration efforts and prepare for the next round of weather.

Alaska, Montana, Oklahoma lead first rural hospital funding round; Georgia ranks seventh

By
Shauneen Miranda
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WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — President Donald Trump’s administration unveiled Monday hundreds of millions of dollars each state will receive this fiscal year as part of a massive $50 billion rural health fund baked into Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law.

The five-year Rural Health Transformation Program — authorized under GOP lawmakers’ mega tax and spending cut package Trump signed into law in July — is designed to offset the budget impacts on rural areas due to sweeping Medicaid cuts.

Half of the $50 billion will be distributed equally among each state between fiscal years 2026 and 2030, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said the remaining $25 billion, dolled out over the same time period, is being allocated to states based on several factors, such as steps states are taking to improve access to care in rural communities.

Texas will get the highest first-year award at $281.3 million, followed by Alaska at $272.2 million, California at $233.6 million, Montana at $233.5 million and Oklahoma, at $223.5 million.

New Jersey is receiving the lowest first-year award, at $147.2 million.

“Thanks to Congress establishing this investment and President Trump for his leadership, states are stepping forward with bold, creative plans to expand rural access, strengthen their workforces, modernize care, and support the communities that keep our nation running,” CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said in a statement alongside the announcement.

Oz added that “CMS is proud to partner with every state to turn their ideas into lasting improvements for rural families.”

Meanwhile, the nonpartisan health research organization KFF found that the program would only offset a little more than one-third of the package’s estimated $137 billion cut to federal Medicaid spending in rural areas over the next decade.

Ashley Murray contributed to this report. 

Ole Miss defense looks to redeem a humiliating showing against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl

By
Associated Press
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FILE - Georgia linebacker CJ Allen (3) chases Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, right, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard, File)

Redemption will be on the minds of Mississippi Rebels defensive players when they meet third-ranked Georgia at Thursday’s Sugar Bowl in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff.

“We all wanted to play them again,” said Ole Miss defensive back Wydett Williams Jr., whose unit labored through a season-worst performance during a 43-35 loss at Georgia earlier this season. “We’re happy we get to play them.”

Georgia (12-1), the Southeastern Conference champions and third seed in the CFP bracket, and No. 6 Ole Miss (12-1), the CFP’s sixth seed, traveled on Monday to New Orleans, where they will make final preparations for their New Year’s Day matchup in the Superdome.

In handing the Rebels their only loss this season, Georgia gained 510 yards of offense and didn’t punt once, but did need a 17-0, fourth-quarter rally to win.

Ole Miss defensive coordinator Bryan Brown says Georgia’s offense looks even better now than when they met on Oct. 18.

“First, they take care of the football,” said Brown, who assumed the coordinator role exclusively after his former co-coordinator, Pete Golding, was named head coach on Nov. 30, when ex-coach Lane Kiffin left for LSU.

“They execute at a higher level and they’ve got their play makers making plays,” Brown added.

Meanwhile, Georgia coach Kirby Smart said that in his experience, rematches often don’t resemble the earlier matchup.

“It’s really overrated in terms of re-matches and things like that,” Smart said. “How you play (on a given day) defines what the outcome of the game is — your ability to be explosive, turn the ball over, win situational football … and it really has very little to do with the time before you played them.

“I don’t think either team is exactly the same,” Smart added. “Both teams have evolved some. And everybody will have new wrinkles.”

Quarterback Gunnar Stockton threw for 289 yards on 26-of-31 passing against the Rebels, including three touchdown passes to tight end Lawson Luckie.

If Stockton’s more than 3,100 yards and 23 touchdowns passing weren’t impressive enough, Brown asserted that Stockton’s value goes beyond the numbers.

“He’s a gamer,” Brown said, smiling in admiration. “He extends plays and he makes the right plays. It’s not all measurements for a quarterback; it’s about making the right plays. That’s what he does. That’s what he is. He’s a football player.”

Williams saw the Georgia loss as a turning point for the Rebels’ defense, which closed with five consecutive wins to secure a CFP berth.

“After that game, we had to lock in more,” Williams said. “We had to bond more as a team, whatever we had to do to play better on the defensive side — anything we needed to do, we pressed on harder.”

Ole Miss then opened the CFP with a resounding 45-10 triumph over No. 17 Tulane (the CFP’s 11th seed) to set up its rematch with the Bulldogs.

During its past six contests, the Rebel defense has improved in areas such as quarterback pressures and turnover ratio (plus-4 during that span).

“We got better at communication, playing faster and with more confidence,” Brown said.

But there was no getting away from the painful memories inflicted by the Georgia offense in October, particularly one embarrassing statistic.

Rebels linebacker TJ Dottery shook his head as he described the humiliation of his unit not forcing a single punt during the Rebels’ visit to Athens.

“Georgia is a great team,” Dottery said. “But this time, we’ve got to be better.”

Cornerback Jaylon Braxton, whose interception stopped an early Tulane drive, figures there will be little margin for error against a Georgia program that has won three SEC titles and two national championships since 2021.

“We didn’t execute,” Braxton said while recounting the previous meeting. “We have really focused in practice on doing the things that the coaches call.”

For Brown, a key step will be eliminating the type of missed assignments that cost the Rebels in the last meeting.

“Got to get off the field when we have that opportunity and avoid the busted assignment,” Brown said. “Hopefully, we won’t have anybody running loose in the secondary.”

Story written by AP Sportswriter Chris Burrows 

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