Ole Miss Faces Mississippi State in High-Stakes Egg Bowl With Playoff Dreams on the Line

The 122nd Egg Bowl kicks off Friday in Starkville. No. 7 Ole Miss battles rival Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium. The noon ET showdown carries massive postseason implications for both programs.

Ole Miss seeks to lock up a College Football Playoff berth with a win. Mississippi State fights for bowl eligibility in a must-win finale. The game is overshadowed by intense speculation about Rebels coach Lane Kiffin’s future.

Playoff Path and Bowl Hopes Collide in Starkville

Ole Miss enters the game with a 10-1 record. They are 6-1 in Southeastern Conference play. A victory almost certainly clinches a spot in the expanded 12-team playoff field.

Current projections give the Rebels a 100% probability of making the playoff with a win. They would likely host a first-round game. According to ESPN analysis, their resume is strong enough to withstand other results.

Mississippi State sits at 5-6 overall. They are 1-6 in the SEC. A win grants them a sixth victory and the bowl eligibility that comes with it.

A loss ends their season. First-year coach Jeff Lebby’s squad has struggled defensively. They allow over 31 points per game, ranking 106th nationally.

Lane Kiffin’s Coaching Future Creates Major Distraction

The biggest story is not on the field. It concerns Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. His name is linked to major job openings at LSU and Florida.

Reports from USA Today indicate LSU has prepared a massive offer. It could be worth up to $98 million over seven years. That would make Kiffin the highest-paid coach in college football.

Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter confirmed the situation. He stated an announcement on Kiffin’s future is expected Saturday. The timing places enormous focus on this rivalry game.

Kiffin has a substantial buyout at Ole Miss. It is reportedly set at $36.6 million. This complicates any potential move for another school.

Key Matchups Will Decide the Golden Egg’s Fate

The game features a clear strength-versus-weakness battle. Ole Miss boasts a balanced and potent offense. They will attack a Mississippi State secondary that has been vulnerable all season.

Rebels quarterback Austin Simmons leads the charge. He took over after Jaxson Dart departed for the NFL. Simmons has provided steady play for a high-scoring unit.

Mississippi State’s hope lies in its own offense. They average a respectable 28.4 points per game. They must control the clock and keep the Ole Miss attack off the field.

History favors the Rebels in this series. Ole Miss holds a 66-49-6 all-time advantage. They have won four of the last six meetings against the Bulldogs.

The outcome of this year’s Egg Bowl will resonate far beyond state bragging rights, shaping the College Football Playoff landscape and potentially altering the coaching carousel.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What time is the 2024 Egg Bowl and how can I watch?

The game kicks off at 12:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. CT on Friday. It will be broadcast nationally on ABC. You can also stream it via the ESPN app.

What does Ole Miss need to make the College Football Playoff?

A win over Mississippi State virtually guarantees Ole Miss a playoff spot. At 11-1, their resume would be strong enough to secure a bid, likely as a top-8 seed hosting a first-round game.

Is Lane Kiffin definitely leaving Ole Miss after this game?

No decision has been announced. Kiffin is considering significant offers, including from LSU. An official announcement regarding his future is expected the day after the Egg Bowl.

What is at stake for Mississippi State in this game?

Mississippi State is playing for bowl eligibility. With a 5-6 record, a win gives them the required sixth victory to go to a postseason game. A loss ends their season.

Who is favored to win the Egg Bowl?

Ole Miss is a significant favorite. Sportsbooks list the Rebels as a 7.5-point favorite. The over/under for total points scored is set around 62.5.

Where is the Egg Bowl being played this year?

The 2024 rivalry game is at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. It is Mississippi State’s home field. The site alternates between Starkville and Oxford each year.