The much-awaited Egg Bowl featuring Ole Miss and Mississippi State is scheduled for November 29, 2024, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. This yearly rivalry, rich in tradition, will showcase the Ole Miss Rebels (8-3, 4-3 SEC) going up against the struggling Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-9, 0-7 SEC). As both teams gear up for this important clash, let’s explore the factors that might influence the result of this game.
Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss is coming into this matchup with a strong offense that’s sitting at ninth in the country, putting up an impressive 38.5 points per game. Quarterback Jaxson Dart has been crucial for the Rebels, racking up 3,732 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six picks this season. Plus, he’s added 375 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, proving he can do it all on the field.
The Rebels’ offensive line has done a great job keeping Dart safe, giving him the time he needs to run plays. Plus, they’ve helped create a solid running game that racks up an average of 207.5 rushing yards each game. This combo has turned Ole Miss into one of the most exciting offenses in college football.
Ole Miss has been solid on defense too, giving up only 87.5 rushing yards per game, which puts them second in the country. They’re also tops in the nation for sacks, averaging 4.45 per game, making life tough for opposing quarterbacks. This strong defense will be key when they face a Mississippi State team that’s had a rough season.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Mississippi State’s season has been pretty rough, with a record of 2-9 and no wins in conference games. Their offense is struggling, putting up just 26.9 points per game, which is way behind their competitors. However, running back Davon Booth has been a standout for the team, racking up 124 yards and a touchdown in their latest game against Missouri. With an average of 5.3 yards per carry, he’s showing he can be a dependable player.
Mississippi State’s defense has really struggled this season, sitting close to the bottom of the FBS rankings for scoring defense and giving up about five touchdowns each game. Their tough time stopping other teams has played a big role in their poor record this year.
Key Matchup Factors
Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Strength
The main focus will be on how Ole Miss’s high-powered offense stacks up against Mississippi State’s shaky defense. Ole Miss has the ability to score fast and effectively, which could really put pressure on a Bulldog defense that has had its fair share of struggles this season.
Quarterback Play
Jaxson Dart’s play is going to be crucial for Ole Miss. Following a tough game against Florida where he tossed two picks, he really needs to bounce back and guide his team like a pro.
On the flip side, Mississippi State’s quarterback situation is still up in the air; they’ll need steady performance to keep up with Ole Miss.
Rushing Attack
Both teams have solid running games, but Ole Miss really stands out with their rushing attack. If the Rebels can get their ground game going early, it could set the pace for the game and give Dart chances to take advantage of mismatches in the passing game.
Considering how Ole Miss has been playing lately and their strong offense going up against a struggling Mississippi State team, it seems pretty likely that the Rebels will come out on top with a solid win. The score prediction definitely favors Ole Miss.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Ole Miss 42 – Mississippi State 17
This forecast highlights Ole Miss’s dynamic offense and solid defense, especially against a Bulldogs squad that has had a tough time staying consistent this season. When these two teams clash on Black Friday, fans can look forward to a thrilling atmosphere packed with rivalry excitement as they fight for bragging rights in this classic matchup.