The highly anticipated Egg Bowl rivalry game will take place as Mississippi State meets Ole Miss at Davis Wade Stadium on November 28. This annual clash is not only significant for bragging rights but also has major implications for both teams’ postseason aspirations. The Bulldogs, sporting a record of 5-6 (1-6 SEC), need a win to secure bowl eligibility for the first time since 2022. They will be looking to bounce back from two disappointing 20-point losses in their last games. Interestingly, the last time Mississippi State won the Egg Bowl was in 2022.
On the other side, Ole Miss enters the game ranked No. 6 nationally with a record of 10-1 (6-1 SEC). While a loss might complicate their prospects for the College Football Playoff, it is unlikely to eliminate them from contention entirely. The focus remains on the performance of their standout running back, Kewan Lacy, who is second in the SEC with 1,136 rushing yards and leads the conference with 19 rushing touchdowns.
As they head into the matchup, Mississippi State faces challenges on the defensive front. The Bulldogs’ run defense has been particularly weak, allowing an average of 289.3 rushing yards over the last three games, culminating in a woeful performance against Missouri, where they surrendered 300 rushing yards. Coach Jeff Lebby emphasized the team’s tackling shortcomings and the need to limit explosive plays as they prepare to contain Lacy’s impactful running.
Quarterback play will also be critical for Mississippi State. Blake Shapen has been the primary signal-caller, though he has struggled in recent outings. In his last two games, he completed 29 of 48 passes for 285 yards but failed to throw any touchdown passes, which is a concern going into such an important game. Kamario Taylor, who played well in a previous outing, may also be called upon to contribute significantly.
In terms of the running game, both Fluff Bothwell and Davon Booth had once been effective earlier in the season, but their recent performance has dipped. The offensive line has faced struggles, leading to frequent sacks and hampering the ground game, as they haven’t surpassed 150 rushing yards in a game since Week 5 against Tennessee.
As for predictions, experts lean toward Ole Miss taking the victory with a projected score of 33-24. The trajectory of Mississippi State’s defense raises concerns about their ability to stop Lacy and the Rebels’ offense, setting the stage for a captivating showdown in Starkville.