OLE MISS SECURES VICTORY IN EGG BOWL
OXFORD — The atmosphere at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium was electric as Ole Miss took to the field for their final regular-season game against their arch-rivals, Mississippi State. Although the Rebels didn’t completely dominate the game, they dug deep and clinched the win with a final score of 26-14. This victory marks Ole Miss’s fourth win against the Bulldogs in the past five years, adding a little more spice to the already heated rivalry.
OLE MISS RALLIES FOR A FOND FINALE
It was an emotional day for the fans, especially for the seniors. Amongst cheers from the crowd, quarterback Jaxson Dart made history by becoming Ole Miss’s all-time leading passer, breaking a record previously held by the beloved Eli Manning. Dart managed only 143 passing yards during the game, but his record-breaking achievement added a silver lining to an otherwise tough match-up.
Despite being held in check for most of the game, the Rebels kept their outside shot at the College Football Playoff alive with the victory. Currently sitting at No. 14 in the polls, they will need a few teams ranked above them to falter to keep their postseason dreams alive.
BULLETS-DODGING BULLDOGS
Even though the Bulldogs struggled this season, losing their 10th game and finishing with a 0-8 SEC record, they didn’t back down without a fight. Coach Jeff Lebby, in his first season, had the Bulldogs looking competitive, mixing in some clever plays that kept the Rebels on their toes. A missed two-point conversion attempt kept Mississippi State from narrowing the score further, showcasing just how close these battles can be.
Speaking of missed opportunities, a key moment for the Bulldogs came when running back Davon Booth was left wide open out of the backfield, but Michael Van Buren’s pass came up short due to Ole Miss’s determined defense. Thankfully for Rebels fans, Ole Miss’s Trey Washington made a crucial interception that set them up at the MSU 34-yard line, which led to another scoring opportunity.
Ulysses Bentley’S STANDOUT MOMENT
Meanwhile, running back Ulysses Bentley made a splash with a career-high 89-yard rush, showing that he had more than enough fuel left in the tank. This was his time to shine after not touching the ball in the previous game against Florida. Bentley’s breakout performance, following a rocky season, could not have come at a better time as the Rebels looked to secure a more comfortable lead.
Not to be forgotten, defensive tackle JJ Pegues extended his phenomenal season by scoring his seventh rushing touchdown. His presence on the field showcases how versatile Ole Miss can be on both ends of the ball.
WHAT’S NEXT?
As the game concluded, the Rebels took a moment to reflect in front of their home crowd, giving a heartfelt farewell to their seniors as they respectfully acknowledge the incredible season despite its ups and downs. The Egg Bowl might not have been the runaway victory some expected, but it certainly delivered drama, excitement, and an unforgettable experience for fans.
Looking ahead, Ole Miss remains hopeful about their rankings for the College Football Playoffs while Mississippi State will regroup, aiming for better fortunes in the seasons to come. As we wrap up another thrilling season, one thing is certain – college football in Mississippi is anything but dull!
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
