Ole Miss vs Mississippi State marks the 122nd annual Egg Bowl rivalry matchup pitting the No. 7 Rebels against the Bulldogs. Kickoff is set for noon ET Friday, November 28 at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville. The undefeated quest faces a critical test in one of college football’s most heated in-state rivalries.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Ole Miss record: 10-1 (6-1 SEC, No. 7 CFP ranking) with one loss to LSU earlier this season
- Mississippi State record: 5-6 (1-6 SEC) needing a win to make bowl eligibility
- Spread: Ole Miss -7 favorite; moneyline -285 for Rebels, +230 for Bulldogs
- CFP implications: Win gives Ole Miss 99%+ playoff odds; loss leaves them at 41% playoff probability
Why This Rivalry Game Matters More Than Ever
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The Egg Bowl carries extra weight in 2025 because Ole Miss controls its own playoff destiny. With one loss already recorded, the Rebels absolutely need this victory to solidify a College Football Playoff spot. A win guarantees a home playoff game and keeps their championship hopes alive.
Mississippi State faces elimination from bowl consideration. The Bulldogs sit at 5-6 and cannot afford to lose. A victory would give them the sixth win needed for eligibility and provide a morale boost heading into the offseason. This creates genuine drama despite the talent gap.
Storyline #1: Can Ole Miss Break Mississippi State’s Defensive Late-Game Adjustments?
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The Bulldogs present a stiff defensive challenge despite their losing record. Mississippi State has proven capable of reducing explosive plays and forcing Ole Miss into uncomfortable situations. The Rebels offense must maintain rhythm and avoid the emotional letdown that sometimes follows dominant victories.
Lane Kiffin’s squad demonstrated resilience and precision all season. However, rivalry games introduce unpredictability. The Egg Bowl history shows tight contests and unexpected momentum swings. Ole Miss needs disciplined execution and cannot overlook Mississippi State’s desperation.
Team Comparison and Historical Context
| Metric | Ole Miss | Mississippi State |
| Overall Record | 10-1 | 5-6 |
| SEC Record | 6-1 | 1-6 |
| All-Time Egg Bowl Series | 60-30-5 (Rebels leading) | 30-60-5 (trailing) |
| Recent Trend | Won last 2 games | Lost last 2 games |
| Playoff Odds (Win) | 99%+ | Not eligible |
The Lane Kiffin Factor and Coaching Implications
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin has performed well in the Egg Bowl, posting a 4-1 record against Mississippi State. His offensive schemes have consistently exploited defensive weaknesses. Kiffin’s decision about his future will likely be announced after today’s game, adding another layer of intrigue.
The Rebels coach wants to cement a CFP bid before any coaching carousel moves. A victory today removes speculation and allows Ole Miss to focus entirely on playoff preparation. Kiffin understands the stakes and should have his team sharp and focused throughout.
Will Mississippi State’s Desperation Create an Upset Story?
Mississippi State needs bowl eligibility desperately. Playing at home provides a significant advantage, and desperation can fuel aggressive defense. However, Ole Miss’s superior talent and experience typically prevails in rivalry games with such clear talent separation.
The Bulldogs will likely attack aggressively early, hoping to establish momentum. If they can force Ole Miss into early mistakes, an upset becomes possible. That said, the Rebels are favored for legitimate reasons and should control this matchup despite Mississippi State’s determined effort.
“With a win on Friday, the Rebels solidify a spot in the College Football Playoff.”
— Sports Analytics Source, CFP Predictor Data
Sources
- ESPN — Live coverage, odds, and playoff predictor data
- USA Today — Game preview and scheduling details
- CBS Sports — Predictions, odds, and historical analysis
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