Oxford Prepares for Exciting Egg Bowl Rivalry on Black Friday

Oxford Gears Up for the Egg Bowl Showdown!

Hey there, football fans! As we dive into Week 14 of college football, our beloved city of Oxford is buzzing with excitement. It’s that time of year again—time for the much-anticipated Egg Bowl featuring the fierce rivalry between Ole Miss and Mississippi State! This year, the showdown is getting a fresh twist, as it has been moved from its traditional Thanksgiving slot to Black Friday!

A Thanksgiving Tradition Takes a New Turn

That’s right! For those who were hoping to chill on the couch after turkey feasting while watching their teams duke it out, plans have changed. The Egg Bowl has been a staple of many Thanksgivings, but this year, fans will have to wait just a bit longer to witness the clash of the Rebels and the Bulldogs on Friday, November 29, at 2:30 PM CT.

This is only the second time in recent history that the Egg Bowl won’t be held on Thanksgiving Day, the last instance being back in 2020 when the pandemic shuffled the schedules around.

Why the Shift?

You might be wondering why this beloved tradition has shifted from the feast to shopping day. The answer is simple—TV contracts! Ole Miss’s athletic director, Keith Carter, shared that during an alumni event at the Country Club of Jackson back in June, he revealed that the shift to Friday was a result of negotiations with ABC.

As it turns out, ABC is eager to showcase college football on Black Friday due to their new 10-year deal as the exclusive broadcast partner of the Southeastern Conference. Carter mentioned, “In that negotiation, ABC came to us and said we want this date, and we want to play at this time.” And, believe it or not, they even had some power in choosing times for other games! Pretty neat, huh?

Looking Back at the Rivalry

The Egg Bowl isn’t just any game; it’s a celebration of rivalry that spans decades. Currently, Ole Miss holds the upper hand in the series with a record of 65-49-6, having won three of the last four matchups. The last time these teams faced off was in 2023, where Ole Miss snatched victory with a score of 17-7. Mississippi State last enjoyed a win in 2022, edging out the Rebels with a 24-22 score.

As fans gear up for the upcoming battle, it’s worth noting that the last time the Egg Bowl was played on a Friday was way back in 2008, when Ole Miss celebrated a resounding victory with a whopping 45-0 win in Oxford. Could history repeat itself? We’ll just have to wait and see!

Mark Your Calendars!

So, mark your calendars, folks! This year’s Egg Bowl is all set for November 29, and you won’t want to miss the excitement. Whether you plan to cheer at the stadium or from the comfort of your home, the energy is sure to be electric as these two fierce rivals face off once again!

Fans will be packing the Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, and with the stakes high, we can expect plenty of thrilling moments on the field. So grab your snacks, wear your team’s colors proudly, and get ready for a fantastic finish to the college football season!