The Ole Miss Rebels triumphed over the Mississippi State Bulldogs with a 26-14 win in the 2024 Egg Bowl, marking their second consecutive victory in this fierce rivalry. Despite a challenging game, Ole Miss's performance, led by quarterback Jaxson Dart, solidified their strong season finish at 9-3. The Rebels now await their postseason fate, with a slim chance at a College Football Playoff spot, amidst debates over their qualification.
In a thrilling continuation of one of college football's storied rivalries, the Ole Miss Rebels clinched a 26-14 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the 2024 Egg Bowl. Held at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, this victory not only marks Ole Miss's second consecutive win in the Egg Bowl but also keeps their slim College Football Playoff hopes alive. As the Rebels celebrate this win, discussions swirl around their potential for a playoff spot, reflecting on their overall season performance and the challenges faced during the game.
The game was a showcase of strategic plays and standout performances, particularly from Ole Miss. Quarterback Jaxson Dart threw for 143 yards and became the all-time passing yardage leader for Ole Miss, surpassing Eli Manning. His efforts were complemented by Ulysses Bentley IV, who rushed for 136 yards, including an 89-yard touchdown that was crucial in securing the lead before halftime. Despite facing the SEC's weakest defense, Ole Miss struggled to dominate, indicating the unpredictable nature of rivalry games and the pressure of high stakes[3].
With this win, Ole Miss improved their season record to 9-3, keeping alive their outside chances for a College Football Playoff berth. However, the team's performance has sparked debates among fans and analysts about their playoff worthiness. Critics argue that struggling to decisively defeat a weaker team like Mississippi State casts doubt on their readiness for playoff challenges. The Rebels will need favorable outcomes in other key games and hope the selection committee values their strong points over their inconsistencies[4].
As the regular season wraps up, Ole Miss awaits its postseason assignment, likely a prominent bowl game. The outcome of the Egg Bowl and the season's performance have set a positive tone, yet the playoff remains a distant possibility. The team's strategy and player development in the coming weeks will be crucial as they prepare for their final game of the season, aiming to cap off a strong year with a significant bowl victory[2].
The 2024 Egg Bowl not only highlighted Ole Miss's resilience and capability to secure crucial wins but also sparked discussions on their potential for higher stakes in the postseason. As they move forward, the Rebels have demonstrated they are a formidable force in college football, with a promising outlook for upcoming challenges.
"This is a huge game in his state, and I think we felt that early, even though we told them records don’t matter. Weird things happen in these Egg Bowls." - Lane Kiffin