Egg Bowl 2024: Why It’s Not on Thanksgiving This Year

A New Chapter in the Ole Miss-Mississippi State Rivalry

The Egg Bowl, a historic rivalry between Ole Miss and Mississippi State football teams, returns this year with a twist. Traditionally held on Thanksgiving, the game has been moved to Black Friday for the 2024 season. This marks only the second time in recent years that the game won’t be played on Thanksgiving, with the last exception occurring in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why Was the Game Rescheduled?

The decision to shift the game to Friday stems from ABC’s new broadcasting contract with the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This 10-year deal grants ABC exclusive rights to televise SEC games, and the network specifically requested the Egg Bowl to be aired on Black Friday.

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At an alumni event in June, Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter explained, “In that negotiation, ABC came to us and said we want this date, and we wanna play at this time.” While the move was largely dictated by ABC, Ole Miss also gained some flexibility in scheduling another game to its preference during negotiations.

This change marks the first Friday Egg Bowl since 2008, when Ole Miss secured a dominant 45-0 victory in Oxford.

When and Where Is the 2024 Egg Bowl?

Date: Friday, Nov. 29
Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
Location: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Mississippi

The matchup is poised to draw significant attention as one of the defining games of Week 14 in college football.

The Rivalry’s Storied History

Known for its fierce competition and deep-rooted traditions, the Egg Bowl has been a cornerstone of SEC football. Ole Miss leads the all-time series with a record of 65-49-6, including victories in three of the last four meetings.

The Rebels claimed the 2023 game with a 17-7 win, while the Bulldogs last triumphed in 2022 with a narrow 24-22 victory. Fans from both sides are eager to see which team will emerge victorious in this latest chapter of the rivalry.

Conclusion

While the move from Thanksgiving to Black Friday alters the tradition, it doesn’t diminish the significance of the Egg Bowl. Fans from Mississippi and beyond are gearing up for an intense showdown that will continue to fuel one of the SEC’s oldest rivalries.