The intense rivalry between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Mississippi State Bulldogs is set to reignite in the 2024 Egg Bowl, scheduled for Friday. The Rebels, boasting an 8-3 record, recently faced a tough 24-17 defeat against Florida, which significantly impacted their aspirations for the College Football Playoff. On the other hand, the Bulldogs are struggling with a disheartening 2-9 record, having lost nine out of their last ten games, including a 39-20 setback to Missouri last week. Historically, Ole Miss leads the series 65-46-6, and a victory this Friday would mean a winless SEC season for Mississippi State, a situation that hasn’t occurred since 2002.
The game is set to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels enter the matchup as heavy favorites, with a spread of 24.5 points and an over/under of 62 total points scored, according to the latest odds.
Ole Miss showcases a potent offense, ranking ninth nationally with an average of 38.5 points per game. Quarterback Jaxson Dart spearheads the attack, having achieved 3,732 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, along with substantial rushing contributions. Additionally, Ole Miss’s defense is formidable, limiting opponents to just 87.5 rushing yards per game, marking the second-best defense in the nation in this category.
Despite their struggles, Mississippi State has performed better against the spread, going 6-5 this season and showing resilience in recent meetings with Ole Miss. Head coach Jeff Lebby brings familiarity to the matchup and will rely on running back Davon Booth, who has been effective in the ground game, as he averages over five yards per carry.
In preparation for this showdown, analysts have noted that simulations conducted for the game lean toward the Under total. However, insights suggest a potentially intriguing outcome, as the match could swing in either team’s favor.
As the Egg Bowl approaches, it offers an exciting opportunity for both teams. Ole Miss will be fighting to restore their playoff hopes, while Mississippi State could aim to salvage their season with a significant upset. A thrilling contest awaits, fueling the passion of fans on both sides.
In conclusion, the 2024 Egg Bowl not only represents a crucial game for the teams involved, but it also speaks to the theme of resilience and rivalry in college football. With the college football landscape ever-changing, there remains hope for both sides to shine on this pivotal Friday.