The Egg
Bowl

Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State

The Egg Bowl is far more than just a college football rivalry between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Ole Miss Rebels—it’s a clash fueled by decades of intense passion and deep-seated animosity. These two programs, separated by just 112 miles along U.S. Highway 45, don’t just compete; they fiercely battle for pride, bragging rights, and the honor of their respective schools.

This rivalry’s intensity has been evident since the early days of the matchup. Before 1927, it was simply known as the “Rivalry Game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss.” But after the 1926 game, where tensions boiled over into an all-out brawl among fans, it became clear that the game needed something more to help manage the overwhelming emotions it stirred.

In response, a trophy was introduced in 1927 to serve as a focal point for the rivalry. The trophy, a brass football mounted on a wooden base, became known as “The Golden Egg” due to its distinct shape. From that point on, the game was called “The Battle for the Golden Egg,” with the trophy symbolizing the fierce competition between the two schools.

In 1978, when both teams were ineligible for postseason play, the game was dubbed the “Egg Bowl” by The Clarion-Ledger newspaper. The name has stuck ever since, perfectly capturing the unique blend of tradition, rivalry, and outright disdain that defines this annual showdown. The Egg Bowl isn’t just a game; it’s a defining moment of the season for both Ole Miss and Mississippi State, where victory means everything and defeat is unthinkable.