Mississippi State Falls to Ole Miss in Egg Bowl Showdown
OXFORD, Miss. – Mississippi State University wrapped up its football season on November 29, 2024, suffering a 26-14 defeat to the No. 14 ranked Ole Miss in the highly anticipated Egg Bowl at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. This annual rivalry game, known for its intensity and passion, saw both teams delivering a hard-fought contest.
Game Highlights
Bulldog quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. showcased his skills, throwing for 280 yards and contributing two touchdowns for Mississippi State. His main target, Kevin Coleman Jr., had a standout performance, racking up 118 yards receiving along with one touchdown. Despite trailing by a mere six points entering the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs could not complete the comeback as Ole Miss secured the victory.
First Quarter Action
The game got off to a competitive start. Ole Miss struck first with a 39-yard field goal by Caden Davis early in the first quarter, giving the Rebels a 3-0 lead. The Bulldogs quickly retaliated when Van Buren connected with Coleman on a 34-yard touchdown pass, putting Mississippi State ahead 7-3. Ole Miss responded swiftly, reclaiming the lead at 10-7 with a short run from JJ Pegues.
As the first quarter was coming to a close, Van Buren showcased his dual-threat capability by scoring on a six-yard rushing touchdown, shifting the advantage back to Mississippi State at 14-10.
Second Quarter and Beyond
Midway through the second quarter, Ole Miss regained the lead at 17-14 with a touchdown run from Ulysses Bentley. That score held strong as both teams entered halftime. The Rebels extended their edge in the third quarter, thanks to another field goal by Davis, making it 20-14.
In the final moments of the game, Ole Miss put the match away when Jaxson Dart found Caden Prieskorn for a touchdown pass. This score established the game’s final margin at 26-14.
Season Reflection
This loss signals the end of the season for Mississippi State, closing with a record that did not meet expectations. Despite the disappointment, the game allowed the Bulldogs to demonstrate resilience and skill, particularly through the efforts of Van Buren and Coleman. Both players displayed promise and potential for future seasons.
Impact on the Rivalry
The Egg Bowl remains one of the most storied rivalries in college football, and this latest chapter only adds to the rich history between these two teams. With Ole Miss ranked No. 14, their victory reinforces their position and extends their edge inthe series.
As the dust settles from this year’s matchup, Mississippi State will likely reflect on its challenging season and strategize for improvements as they look ahead to next year. Fans and players alike will eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to again compete for the coveted Golden Egg.
