Excitement Builds in Oxford as Egg Bowl Moves to Black Friday Showdown

Excitement Builds in Oxford for the Annual Egg Bowl

Oxford, Mississippi is buzzing with excitement as Week 14 of college football arrives, bringing with it the much-anticipated Egg Bowl clash between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. This game is more than just a match; it’s a storied rivalry that has stood the test of time, and this year, there’s a new twist to the tale!

From Thanksgiving Tradition to Black Friday Bonanza

This year, the Egg Bowl has traded in its traditional Thanksgiving slot for a showdown on Black Friday. Fans of both teams are gearing up for an exhilarating game on November 29, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. Central Time, right at the Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford.

You might be wondering why such a classic rivalry has shifted to Black Friday. According to Ole Miss’s athletic director, Keith Carter, this change was a strategic move made during a recent broadcasting negotiation. Carter explained that ABC expressed interest in airing the game on Black Friday instead of Thanksgiving. He shared, “In that negotiation, ABC came to us and said we want this date, and we wanna play at this time.”

A Brief Look Back

This isn’t the first time the Egg Bowl has veered from its Thanksgiving roots. The last deviation came in 2020, when the game was shifted due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this year’s change is driven purely by broadcasting interests and not any global health crisis. For fans, that means a Friday filled with football excitement and potentially no family obligations pulling them away from their TVs.

History and Stats

The Egg Bowl rivalry is rich in history, dating back to 1901. As it stands, Ole Miss leads the all-time series 65-49-6. The Rebels have been particularly successful lately, winning three of the last four matchups against the Bulldogs. The last time a Friday showdown occurred was back in 2008, when Ole Miss dominated with a resounding 45-0 victory in Oxford. Will history repeat itself this time around? Fans can hardly wait to find out!

What to Expect This Year

As anticipation builds, both teams are expected to bring their A-game. The Rebels’ last few seasons have seen them climb the ranks, making them a hard-hitting contender in the Southeastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs, renowned for their defensive prowess, are equally ready to reclaim bragging rights in this heated rivalry. It’s shaping up to be an electrifying encounter, and fans from both sides are counting down the days!

A New Era for the Egg Bowl?

For many, the change from Thanksgiving to Black Friday is going to be a fresh take on a beloved tradition. It will also give fans a chance to recover from their Thanksgiving feasts before settling down for an action-packed day of sports. The festive spirit of Black Friday combined with the fierce rivalry of Ole Miss and Mississippi State creates the perfect scenario for a game day atmosphere.

Join the Fun!

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Rebels or a staunch supporter of the Bulldogs, mark your calendars, grab your jerseys, and get ready for the Egg Bowl on Black Friday! It’s sure to be a day of rivalry, community, and a whole lot of fun – who knows, it might just turn into a new tradition of its own!