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No. 14 Ole Miss, Bulldogs Meet for 121st Time

The No. 14 Ole Miss Rebels (8-3, 4-3 Southeastern Conference) are coming off a disappointing loss against Florida (6-5, 4-4), while the Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-9, 0-7) are coming off their seventh SEC loss against Missouri (8-3, 4-3). Both teams look to end the season on a high note at 3:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 29 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss.

What's at Stake?

Lane Kiffin and the Rebels hoped the Egg Bowl would be the final step toward a playoff berth and an appearance in the SEC championship game. Unfortunately, their 24-17 loss to Florida eliminated the Rebels from the SEC title game and drastically reduced their chance of a CFP appearance. The Rebels have a slim chance of landing a spot in the 12-team playoff field with a win, and as always, the Egg Bowl championship holds a lot of weight in the Magnolia State.

The Bulldogs look to break an 11-game losing streak in conference play dating back to last year. Mississippi State is also looking to avoid its first winless season in conference play since 2002. The Bulldogs would like to build momentum heading into Jeff Lebby's second season as head coach. Even with a win, the Bulldogs won't reach a bowl game, so this will be their final game of the season and their last chance for a victory.

Key Players: Ole Miss

Jaxson Dart, Quarterback

Dart is only 50 yards shy of breaking the Ole Miss passing record held by Eli Manning with 10,119 yards. Dart is one of the best QBs in the country, leading the FBS in total offense and passing efficiency. However, he threw interceptions in the Rebels' final two drives against Florida to cement the loss. Is that something Dart has shaken off or will those interceptions haunt him in this matchup with Miss. State?

Suntarine Perkins, Linebacker; Princely Umanmielen, Defensive End

Perkins and Umanmielen have accounted for 10.5 sacks apiece. They are both 2 sacks away from the Rebels' single-season record for an individual. The duo looks to continue to disrupt the quarterback when the Bulldogs come to town.

Key Players: Mississippi State

Michael Van Buren, Quarterback

True freshman Van Buren was thrown into the fire after starter Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending injury against the Florida Gators in Week 4. Van Buren has shown flashes of greatness this season and has thrown for 1,606 yards, 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in five games. Van Buren could be a difference in this matchup if he lives up to his potential.

Isaac Smith, Safety; Stone Blanton, Linebacker

Smith and Blanton have over 100 tackles each this season and lead the SEC in stops. Smith is first in the league with 115 tackles and Blanton is second with 111 tackles. In the Bulldogs ' last outing, Blanton had a career-best 18 tackles against Missouri.

Trends to Watch

Ole Miss comes into this game as a 26-point betting favorite over Mississippi State and for good reason. The Bulldogs rank 78th nationally in points per game and 127th in total defense. Ole Miss, on the other hand, boasts the nation's No. 2 offense and a top-5 scoring defense. Ole Miss is averaging 4.5 sacks a game and should hit that mark or better against the Bulldogs' subpar offensive line.

Ole Miss should dominate this game based on stats and how the season has gone for both teams, but crazy things happen in this rivalry. With their playoff chances likely gone, how will the Rebels respond? If they come out flat against a fired-up MSU team, they could end up on the wrong side of an upset again.