The 1953 edition to the Sugar Bowl featured the second ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and the seventh ranked Ole Miss Rebels. Georgia Tech won the matchup 24-7 to clinch a national championship. Mississippi scored first on a 4 yard touchdown run from Dillard, as they took a 7-0 first quarter lead. In the second quarter, Georgia Tech scored on a 1 yard Brigma run to tie the game at 7. Rodgers kicked a 25 yard field goal as Georgia Tech went up 10-7 at halftime. In the third quarter, Leon Hardemann scored on a 6 yard touchdown run as Georgia Tech went up 17-7. In the fourth quarter, Rodgers threw a 26 yard touchdown pass to Knox, as Georgia Tech won 24-17.