Oxford’s Thrilling Egg Bowl: Rebels Defeat Bulldogs 26-14
OXFORD, Mississippi — In a nail-biting showdown filled with rivalry energy, the Ole Miss Rebels topped the Mississippi State Bulldogs with a final score of 26-14 in the much-anticipated Egg Bowl on Friday night. The Rebels, ranked no. 15 in the nation, delivered a performance that not only celebrated their state pride but also kept their slim hopes alive for a shot at the College Football Playoff.
Ulysses Bentley Shines Bright
Leading the charge for the Rebels was none other than Ulysses Bentley, who rushed for an impressive 136 yards and a touchdown. Bentley’s big play of the evening was a spectacular 89-yard touchdown run, giving Ole Miss an edge just before halftime. The game saw the Rebels trailing twice in the first half, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. But Bentley’s breakout play shifted the momentum in favor of Ole Miss, leading them to a 17-14 lead.
Jaxson Dart’s Record-Breaking Day
Quarterback Jaxson Dart had a noteworthy performance too, completing 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown. With a stunning 17-yard pass to Jordan Watkins in the second quarter, Dart made history by becoming the Ole Miss career passing yardage leader, surpassing former NFL star Eli Manning. Dart ended the game with 10,213 career yards and said he felt honored to break such a significant record.
Struggles for the Bulldogs
On the other side of the field, the Bulldogs, who entered the game with the SEC’s worst defense, faced uphill challenges throughout the match. The Mississippi State team struggled against a determined Ole Miss line, finishing the game with a disappointing 2-10 overall record and a 0-8 SEC mark. Quarterback Michael Van Buren gave his best effort, completing 17 of 32 passes for 280 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions, but his efforts weren’t enough to turn the tide.
Key Moments of the Game
Despite controlling the game for parts of the first half, Mississippi State found it hard to capitalize on their opportunities. The Rebels were held to three points during critical moments after quick turnovers, thanks in part to Mississippi State’s defensive schemes. Unfortunately, turnovers became a recurring theme for the Bulldogs, who turned the ball over three times – two interceptions alongside a muffed punt.
As the game drew to a close, Ole Miss firmly held onto their lead. A key moment came when the Rebels successfully halted the Bulldogs’ bid for a comeback by executing a phenomenal defensive stand, stopping State on four plays inside the five-yard line.
Looking Ahead
While Ole Miss continues to steer their ship towards potential bowl game appearances, there’s a slim possibility they could still make a run for the College Football Playoff. Coach Lane Kiffin commented on the significance of the Egg Bowl, stating, “We felt that early, even though we told them records don’t matter. Weird things happen in these Egg Bowls.”
As the season wraps up, Mississippi State will be looking to reassess and rebuild for next year after a challenging campaign. For the Rebels, this victory is a much-needed boost, showcasing their talent and grit.
With college football excitement at its peak, fans from both schools are already looking forward to next year’s classic encounter. Until then, it’s important to stay tuned and enjoy every thrilling moment that this sport has to offer!
