The Egg Bowl rivalry, a storied clash between Ole Miss and Mississippi State, has roots dating back to 1901 and has been contested annually since 1944. This year, the stakes were high, with Ole Miss coming into the game ranked No. 14 in the College Football Playoff rankings and holding an 8-3 record. The Rebels needed a little help from the football gods—specifically, they required Vanderbilt to upset Tennessee and for either Penn State or Indiana to stumble. Meanwhile, Alabama loomed just ahead in the rankings at No. 13.
The Rebels had a tough loss last week against Florida, but they were determined to bounce back in the Egg Bowl. On the other side, Mississippi State was struggling, sitting at a dismal 2-9 record and still searching for their first SEC victory under new head coach Jeff Lebby. But as history shows, anything can happen in this fierce rivalry.
Final: Ole Miss 26, Mississippi State 14
Ole Miss sealed a hard-fought 26-21 victory in the Egg Bowl with a gutsy fourth-down run from JJ Pegues, who crossed the goal line with just 26 seconds remaining. This win improved the Rebels to 9-3 on the season, leaving them eagerly awaiting their fate in the College Football Playoff picture. Conversely, the Bulldogs fell to 2-10, finishing the season without a single SEC win.
Mississippi State drive stalls short of goal line
In a pivotal moment, Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren connected with receiver Kevin Coleman, bringing the Bulldogs to the 1-yard line. However, the drive faltered, and Van Buren’s fourth-down pass fell incomplete, handing the ball back to Ole Miss with 5:46 left in the game.
Caden Prieskorn hauls in wild touchdown catch
With the game on the line, Ole Miss capitalized on a pass interference penalty that set them up in scoring territory. Caden Prieskorn made a spectacular catch on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Jaxson Dart, extending the Rebels’ lead to 26-14 with 9:56 remaining. Although the two-point conversion attempt failed, the momentum was firmly in Ole Miss’s favor.
Ole Miss capitalizes on muffed punt
In a critical turn of events, Mississippi State appeared poised to regain possession on an Ole Miss punt. However, Kevin Coleman muffed the return, allowing the Rebels to recover. Caden Davis then nailed a 43-yard field goal, pushing Ole Miss’s lead to 20-14 with just under six minutes left in the third quarter.
Ole Miss gets it right back
Just three plays into Mississippi State’s first drive of the second half, Ole Miss’s Trey Washington made a spectacular interception, giving the Rebels the ball back at the 49-yard line. This defensive play highlighted the Rebels’ tenacity and set the stage for their offensive resurgence.
Second half underway
As the second half kicked off, Ole Miss received the ball first. However, Jaxson Dart’s third-down run fell short, marking the Rebels’ third three-and-out of the game. The pressure was mounting, but the Rebels were determined to find their rhythm.
End 1H: Ole Miss 17, Mississippi State 14
The first half ended with Ole Miss leading 17-14, but not without drama. After a penalty pushed the Rebels back, kicker Caden Davis attempted a 54-yard field goal that missed, leaving the door open for the Bulldogs.
Jaxson Dart makes Ole Miss history
In a historic moment, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart surpassed the legendary Eli Manning to become the all-time passing yards leader in Ole Miss history with a 17-yard pass to Jordan Watkins. Dart’s impressive total now stands at 10,137 yards and counting, solidifying his legacy at the university.
Ulysses Bentley IV rushes for 89-yard TD
The excitement continued as Ole Miss running back Ulysses Bentley IV electrified the crowd with an 89-yard touchdown run, showcasing his speed and agility. This remarkable play gave the Rebels a 17-14 lead with 8:40 left in the first half, marking the longest run in the SEC this year. Bentley’s performance was particularly impressive, considering he had not received a carry in the previous game against Florida.
Ole Miss sack forces punt
Ole Miss’s defense stepped up when it mattered most. Linebacker Chris Paul Jr. delivered a crucial 11-yard sack on third down, forcing a Mississippi State punt. The Rebels took over on their own 11-yard line, trailing 14-10 with 8:55 remaining in the first half.
Ole Miss flagged for out-of-bounds unnecessary roughness
Tensions ran high as Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren scrambled out of bounds, only to be hit in the shoulder by Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris. The hit drew a 15-yard penalty, showcasing the intensity of the rivalry.
Ole Miss goes three-and-out
Following Mississippi State’s impressive 75-yard drive, Ole Miss struggled to find their footing, going three-and-out. The Bulldogs took over on their 23-yard line, looking to capitalize on the momentum.
Bulldogs take 14-10 lead
Mississippi State surged ahead with a 6-yard touchdown run by Van Buren after a 42-yard pass set them up nicely. The Bulldogs led 14-10 as the first quarter wound down, igniting their fans and adding to the drama of the Egg Bowl.
Another Mississippi State chunk play
The Bulldogs were making big plays, as Van Buren connected with wide receiver Jordan Mosley for a 42-yard gain, placing them on the Ole Miss 15-yard line. The energy in the stadium was palpable as Mississippi State looked to build on their lead.
JJ Pegues punches in Ole Miss touchdown
In a show of strength, Ole Miss turned to defensive lineman JJ Pegues in the red zone, who powered through for a 5-yard touchdown run. This capped off a 13-play, 75-yard drive and gave the Rebels a 10-7 lead with 2:16 left in the first quarter, showcasing their determination and grit.
As the game unfolded, fans were treated to a thrilling display of college football, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for victory. The Egg Bowl never disappoints, and this year’s clash was no exception. With Ole Miss emerging victorious, the Rebels not only celebrated a crucial win but also kept their hopes alive for a potential spot in the College Football Playoff. The rivalry continues, and fans can only wonder what next year’s showdown will bring.
