OXFORD — The Ole Miss football team is looking to bounce back as they prepare for a crucial matchup at home on senior day in the Egg Bowl, facing rivals Mississippi State. The No. 16 ranked Rebels (8-3, 4-3 SEC) will host the struggling Bulldogs (2-9, 0-7) at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Friday at 2:30 p.m. on ABC. The game holds significant importance not just for state bragging rights but also for Ole Miss’ postseason ambitions. Despite a disappointing upset against Florida last week, the Rebels still have a slim chance at the College Football Playoff picture, currently sitting at No. 14 in the latest rankings.
However, the Rebels will be without star wide receiver Tre Harris, who was injured prior to halftime in the recent loss to Florida. Harris, leading the SEC with 1,030 receiving yards, will be a notable absence for Ole Miss in this critical game.
For Ole Miss to clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff, they must first overcome Mississippi State, which has faced challenges under first-year head coach Jeff Lebby. Nonetheless, new coaching regimes have previously found success in the Egg Bowl, adding an unpredictable element to the rivalry.
During the game, updates on scoring and stats indicated that Ole Miss continued to make balanced plays, including key contributions from running back Ulysses Bentley, who broke free for an impressive 89-yard touchdown run. Additionally, quarterback Jaxson Dart achieved a milestone as the all-time leading passer for Ole Miss on a significant day for the team.
The atmosphere is set to be brisk for the Egg Bowl, with temperatures expected to be around 48 degrees and sunny. Fans can catch the game nationally on ABC with various streaming options available.
Historically, Ole Miss leads the series against Mississippi State 65-47-6, having most recently won in 2023. With predictions favoring Ole Miss for a decisive victory, the Rebels also look to make a positive statement in front of their home crowd on senior day.
Overall, this matchup showcases the deep-rooted rivalry and serves as a critical moment for both teams. Ole Miss has the opportunity to redeem itself and potentially set the tone for a hopeful postseason, while Mississippi State can aim for a surprising turnaround in their season finale.
In this way, fans of both teams step into the Egg Bowl filled with anticipation and excitement, demonstrating the enduring spirit of college football rivalries.