No. 6 Ole Miss triumphed over Mississippi State with a score of 38-19 in the annual Battle for the Golden Egg, held on Friday. This victory marked the Rebels” 11th win of the regular season, setting a new school record for most wins in a single season.
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss delivered an impressive performance, passing for 359 yards and four touchdowns, leading an offensive unit that accumulated 546 total yards. Chambliss completed 23 of his 34 attempts, showcasing his skills as a senior transfer from Division II Ferris State.
Wide receiver De”Zhaun Stribling played a crucial role in the game, catching four passes for 66 yards, including two touchdown receptions. Another key contributor was Deuce Alexander, who had two receptions for 94 yards, highlighted by an electrifying 88-yard touchdown that sealed the victory in the fourth quarter.
The Rebels also made significant strides on the ground, rushing for 187 yards on 39 attempts. Running back Kewan Lacy was the standout, gaining 143 yards on 27 carries.
After establishing a 14-7 lead in the first quarter, Ole Miss faced a challenge as the Bulldogs” defense made adjustments. Mississippi State closed the gap with a field goal, bringing the score to 14-10. However, in the closing moments of the first half, Ole Miss executed a two-minute drive that culminated in a touchdown pass from Chambliss to Stribling, extending their lead to 21-10 at halftime.
Mississippi State”s head coach Jeff Lebby expressed disappointment with the team”s start but acknowledged their improvement during the game. His decision to start freshman quarterback Kamario Taylor paid off as Taylor completed 15 of 31 passes for 178 yards, while also rushing for 173 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite the Bulldogs racking up over 400 yards of offense, their defense struggled, allowing more than 500 yards for the sixth time in two seasons. Mississippi State finished its regular season with a 5-7 record, failing to qualify for a bowl game for the third consecutive year.
As for Lane Kiffin, speculation regarding his coaching future looms large as he is linked to the open position at LSU. Kiffin stated he will take time to make a decision but emphasized his pride in the team”s performance amid external distractions.
In summary, Ole Miss not only solidified its place in school history with this win but also positioned itself favorably for potential playoff considerations.
