Mississippi State Fights but Falls to Ole Miss in 2024 Egg Bowl
OXFORD — The 2024 Egg Bowl witnessed a significant talent disparity, as Ole Miss claimed victory over Mississippi State with a final score of 26-14, marking the second consecutive year the Rebels seized the Golden Egg trophy.
The game commenced with an unfortunate turn for the Bulldogs, whose freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren faced challenges early on. His second pass was intercepted by linebacker Chris Paul Jr., permitting Ole Miss to start their offensive drive close to the field goal range.
Despite the early setback, the Bulldogs managed to limit the Rebels to just three points on that possession. They then capitalized on a special teams play, where Nick Barr-Mira connected with Justin Ball during a fake punt, creating momentum. Van Buren later connected with Kevin Coleman for a 34-yard touchdown, giving MSU a brief lead.
However, Ole Miss quickly regained composure, responding efficiently with a touchdown of their own. After a direct snap to defensive lineman JJ Pegues, the Rebels took the lead again, demonstrating their ability to exploit MSU’s defensive gaps.
Throughout the first half, both teams battled, but it was a remarkable 89-yard touchdown run by Ole Miss’ Ulysses Bentley IV that shifted momentum significantly midway through the second quarter, allowing the Rebels to establish a lead.
Despite some bright moments for the Bulldogs’ defense, including a season-high in tackles for loss and key sacks by Zakari Tillman, critical errors plagued their efforts. A muffed punt by Coleman handed Ole Miss excellent field position, leading to additional scoring opportunities for the Rebels.
In a tightly contested game, the Bulldogs found themselves in a promising position late in the fourth quarter, inching towards a potential touchdown opportunity at the 1-yard line. Unfortunately, repeated attempts to advance failed, allowing the Rebels to run out the clock.
Key Takeaways from the Game
- Defensive Improvement: The Bulldogs displayed their best defensive performance of the season, showcasing resilience against a potent Ole Miss offense, despite the loss.
- Promise in Van Buren: Freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren demonstrated potential but also faced hurdles, including critical interceptions, indicating areas for growth.
- Offseason Strategy: Head coach Jeff Lebby faces pivotal decisions ahead with regard to the coaching staff and recruiting, as Mississippi State navigates their future and aims for improvement, signaling a critical offseason ahead.
