Ole Miss secures Egg Bowl victory over Mississippi State

In Oxford, Mississippi, on November 29, 2024, the Ole Miss Rebels defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 26-14 in the annual Egg Bowl. This victory allowed Ole Miss to maintain slim hopes of qualifying for the College Football Playoff. Ulysses Bentley was a standout performer, rushing for 136 yards and scoring a touchdown that was pivotal to Ole Miss's success. The Rebels started the game relatively slow, trailing twice in the first half against their rivals. However, Bentley's impressive 89-yard rushing touchdown put Ole Miss ahead for the first time in the game. Jaxson Dart also made significant contributions, completing 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown. With this performance, he set a new record for career passing yards at Ole Miss, surpassing former NFL star Eli Manning. Dart's consistency and leadership were crucial in helping the Rebels bounce back from a previous defeat against Florida and regain momentum in the season. The game highlighted the ongoing struggles of Mississippi State, who entered the match having lost all their conference games for the season. The Bulldogs' offense struggled against a defense that, while inconsistent, managed to limit Ole Miss's scoring opportunities in critical situations. A key point in the game was when Mississippi State failed to capitalize on a potential comeback opportunity late in the match, allowing the Rebels to secure their victory. Looking ahead, the victory places Ole Miss in contention for a bowl game, while Mississippi State will conclude a disappointing season, having faced setbacks both on and off the field. The implications of the game extend beyond the rivalry, as the Rebels hope their performance can catapult them into higher rankings depending on the outcomes of other rivalry games in the conference this weekend.