Ole Miss Secures 26-14 Victory Over Mississippi State in 2024 Egg Bowl
By Sarah Morgan, College Football Analyst
Introduction
The 2024 Egg Bowl was another thrilling chapter in the historic rivalry between Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Played on a chilly November evening in Oxford, the stakes were particularly high for Ole Miss, as a win was critical to keeping their slim College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes alive. For Mississippi State, it was a chance to salvage pride in an otherwise disappointing season. In the end, Ole Miss emerged victorious with a 26-14 triumph, underscoring their dominance in this year’s contest.
Game Highlights
Ole Miss running back Ulysses Bentley delivered a standout performance, rushing for 136 yards and a touchdown. His explosive runs gave the Rebels a crucial edge in field position and momentum throughout the game.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart added another milestone to his illustrious career, throwing for 143 yards and a touchdown to become Ole Miss’ all-time leader in career passing yards. While his passing numbers weren’t eye-popping, his efficient play-calling and leadership kept the Rebels grounded and on track for the win.
The Rebels’ ground game was electric, racking up an impressive 254 rushing yards. Coupled with a stout defensive effort—limiting Mississippi State to just 14 points—Ole Miss controlled the game from start to finish. With timely stops and key takeaways, the Rebel defense frustrated Mississippi State’s offense, forcing costly turnovers that shifted the game's momentum.
Coaches' Comments
After the game, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, praised his team's resilience and the significance of winning the Egg Bowl in the context of the SEC's highly competitive environment. “This rivalry means so much to the players, the fans, and our program as a whole,” Kiffin remarked. “We knew this was a must-win game, and I’m proud of the way our guys responded.”
Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby, on the other hand, acknowledged his team’s struggles. “We missed a lot of opportunities, and turnovers really hurt us tonight,” Lebby said. “It’s been a difficult season, but we’ve got to learn from this and come back stronger next year.”
Impact on Teams
The victory keeps Ole Miss in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl and extends their slim—but still alive—College Football Playoff chances. With this win, the Rebels solidify a strong finish to their regular season as they await their postseason fate.
For Mississippi State, this game capped off a winless SEC season, their first since 2002. Despite a tough year, the Bulldogs showed flashes of potential with their young roster. However, significant improvements are needed on both sides of the ball for Mississippi State to compete in the SEC moving forward.
Conclusion
In the end, Ole Miss’ 26-14 victory in the 2024 Egg Bowl reinforced their reputation as a dominant force in the rivalry, while providing a glimmer of hope for their postseason dreams. The balanced attack of Bentley’s rushing prowess and Dart’s consistency under center powered the Rebels to victory, while the defense did its part in smothering Mississippi State’s offense. For the Bulldogs, a difficult season ended on a disappointing note, but the lessons learned could fuel their rebuild in the years to come.
This Egg Bowl will be remembered not just for the final score, but for the individual performances and the ongoing intensity of one of college football’s greatest rivalries.