In the Egg Bowl held on Friday, Ole Miss football edged out Mississippi State with a score of 26-14 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, concluding their regular season on a positive note. Although the Rebels’ performance was not overwhelmingly dominant, the victory marked their fourth triumph over the Bulldogs in the last five years, and their first against new Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart had a modest outing with just 143 passing yards but made history by surpassing Eli Manning to become Ole Miss’ all-time leading passer. The Rebels, who finished the season with a 9-3 record and a 5-3 conference standing, are maintaining hope for a spot in the College Football Playoff, currently holding the No. 14 ranking in the latest poll. For this to happen, they will need several teams ranked above them to lose in the upcoming games.
Throughout the game, Ole Miss showed resilience, with key moments including a critical interception by linebacker Pooh Paul and a standout 89-yard touchdown rush from running back Ulysses Bentley. The Rebels displayed effective offensive strategies despite having to contend with injuries, notably the absence of star wide receiver Tre Harris.
This win not only culminates a solid season for Ole Miss but also sets a focus on potential opportunities ahead, bringing a sense of hope and optimism as they look toward the future.
Overall, Ole Miss fans left the stadium with a sense of pride and anticipation, reflecting the team’s growth and potential in the competitive landscape of college football.