The Mississippi State Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels are two of the most storied programs in college football history. The two schools are located just 90 miles apart and have been playing each other since 1894. The rivalry is one of the most heated in all of sports, and the games are always filled with passion and intensity.
The Early Years
The first meeting between Mississippi State and Ole Miss was played in Starkville, Mississippi on October 27, 1894. The Bulldogs won the game 14-6, and the rivalry was born. The two teams would play each other 10 more times in the 19th century, with Mississippi State holding a 6-4 advantage.
The 20th Century
The rivalry continued to grow in intensity in the 20th century. The two teams played each other 50 times from 1900 to 1999, with Ole Miss holding a 26-24 advantage. Some of the most memorable games of the rivalry were played during this time period.
In 1936, the two teams played in a game that was dubbed the “Battle of the Little Birminghams.” The game was played in Jackson, Mississippi, and it drew a crowd of over 40,000 fans. Ole Miss won the game 20-14, but the Bulldogs would get their revenge in 1940 when they won the game 21-14 in Starkville.
In 1960, the two teams played in a game that was dubbed the “Mud Bowl.” The game was played in Oxford, Mississippi, and it was one of the most bizarre games in college football history. The field was covered in mud, and the players had a hard time keeping their footing. Ole Miss won the game 14-7, but the game is still remembered as one of the most unique in the history of the rivalry.
The 21st Century
The rivalry has continued to be heated in the 21st century. The two teams have played each other 20 times since 2000, with Mississippi State holding a 11-9 advantage. Some of the most memorable games of the rivalry have been played in recent years.
In 2014, the two teams played in a game that was dubbed the “Egg Bowl Brawl.” The game was played in Oxford, Mississippi, and it was one of the most controversial games in the history of the rivalry. Ole Miss won the game 31-28, but the game was marred by a postgame brawl that resulted in the suspension of several players.
In 2017, the two teams played in a game that was dubbed the “Egg Bowl Classic.” The game was played in Starkville, Mississippi, and it was one of the most exciting games in the history of the rivalry. Mississippi State won the game 35-31 in overtime, and the Bulldogs went on to win the SEC West Division championship.
The Future of the Rivalry
The Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss rivalry is one of the most heated and passionate rivalries in all of sports. The two teams have played each other for over 100 years, and the rivalry shows no signs of slowing down. The future of the rivalry is bright, and the two teams are sure to continue to battle it out for years to come.
Key Stats
- The two teams have played each other 121 times, with Ole Miss holding a 65-53-4 advantage.
- Mississippi State has won the last two games in the series, including a 21-20 victory in 2021.
- The two teams are scheduled to play each other in Starkville on November 25, 2023.
Impact of the Rivalry
The Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss rivalry has a significant impact on both schools and the state of Mississippi. The games are always a major economic driver for the state, and they generate millions of dollars in revenue for the two schools. The rivalry also helps to promote tourism in Mississippi, and it brings people from all over the country to the state.
In addition to the economic impact, the rivalry also has a significant social impact. The games are a time for people to come together and celebrate their shared love of college football. The rivalry also helps to promote unity and pride in the state of Mississippi.
Conclusion
The Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss rivalry is one of the most heated and passionate rivalries in all of sports. The two teams have played each other for over 100 years, and the rivalry shows no signs of slowing down. The future of the rivalry is bright, and the two teams are sure to continue to battle it out for years to come.
