Egg Bowl Thoughts

[messageboardsuperhero]

This is the first time in a long time that I really feel like we have very little to lose and a lot to gain going into an Egg Bowl. It is in Oxford, we are double digit underdogs, with a very young group of less than 50 scholarship players going up there.

It would suck to lose, like it always does, but the only way it really looks bad is if we are disinterested and get blown out. If we keep it close but lose, oh well we came in at a 30 scholarship disadvantage anyway. If we somehow win with all the inherent advantages they have this year, that will say a lot going forward and change some narratives about program momentum.

IMO, having Wheat and Davis would have made a big difference. Those two are great pass rushers and would allow us to pressure Corral without blitzing. It’s going to be really tough on us with those two out and only having 20 scholarship defensive players. I think we only have four scholarship linebackers available this weekend. Hopefully Arnett can pull a rabbit out and keep OM around 30 points.

 

[oxfordrebel22]

I’m going to be honest with you, it’s a tough spot to be in as an Ole Miss fan. State is short-handed, we all know that. Ole Miss is missing some players, too, but nothing like what MSU is dealing with. State has also been bad this year. The records are similar, but there’s no doubt Ole Miss fans and the program have felt better throughout the year, on average, than MSU fans. So, the narrative will be, “MSU sucks, and is short handed. So they should lose!” And that’s a dangerous, dangerous mentality.

We also, as Ole Miss fans, realize that team and QB that MSU took to Georgia is a different team than what played Kentucky and Vandy. So, State is in, for the most part, a no-lose situation. I don’t mean that in the sense that Ole Miss is clearly a better program or anything, like what that would normally mean. I just mean that with 49 players, it just is what it is.

I think we’ve got some real fun Egg Bowls coming up in the next 3-4 years.

 

[Russ Wheeler]

I’m going to be honest with you, it’s a tough spot to be in as an Ole Miss fan. State is short-handed, we all know that. Ole Miss is missing some players, too, but nothing like what MSU is dealing with. State has also been bad this year. The records are similar, but there’s no doubt Ole Miss fans and the program have felt better throughout the year, on average, than MSU fans. So, the narrative will be, “MSU sucks, and is short handed. So they should lose!” And that’s a dangerous, dangerous mentality.

We also, as Ole Miss fans, realize that team and QB that MSU took to Georgia is a different team than what played Kentucky and Vandy. So, State is in, for the most part, a no-lose situation. I don’t mean that in the sense that Ole Miss is clearly a better program or anything, like what that would normally mean. I just mean that with 49 players, it just is what it is.

I think we’ve got some real fun Egg Bowls coming up in the next 3-4 years.

Yeah defense is going to have to win this one. Ole Miss' offensive talent is just better than us, bottom line. They hit big on that 2019 class and we busted due to all the attrition. We will need some turnovers. Same thing the following year.

I expect the pendulum to swing back MSU's way in 2022 maybe, once all those guys hopefully clear out, and our 2020 guys are the veterans.

 

[Arloguthrie]

I’m going to be honest with you, it’s a tough spot to be in as an Ole Miss fan. State is short-handed, we all know that. Ole Miss is missing some players, too, but nothing like what MSU is dealing with. State has also been bad this year. The records are similar, but there’s no doubt Ole Miss fans and the program have felt better throughout the year, on average, than MSU fans. So, the narrative will be, “MSU sucks, and is short handed. So they should lose!” And that’s a dangerous, dangerous mentality.

We also, as Ole Miss fans, realize that team and QB that MSU took to Georgia is a different team than what played Kentucky and Vandy. So, State is in, for the most part, a no-lose situation. I don’t mean that in the sense that Ole Miss is clearly a better program or anything, like what that would normally mean. I just mean that with 49 players, it just is what it is.

I think we’ve got some real fun Egg Bowls coming up in the next 3-4 years.

This is a bad and unauthorized take. Geez man did you not get the memo:

While sure, we would like to win the game, we have seen enough from Kiffin to be optimistic about the future, and losing the game would not undermine that. So really we have nothing to lose. Leach, on the other hand, is facing a sharply divided fanbase, many of whom are openly skeptical of the efficacy of the Air Raid in the SEC, a mass exodus of players that could spell disaster if he's unable to replenish the roster via recruiting, and questions about whether he will ever be able to recruit the players needed for his offense to work at MSU. And if he can't put up points against a defense that gave up 42 to SC, 41 to Kentucky, and 33 to Arkansas, that would be very concerning. Dare I say this is a must win game for Leach?

 

[messageboardsuperhero]

I’m going to be honest with you, it’s a tough spot to be in as an Ole Miss fan. State is short-handed, we all know that. Ole Miss is missing some players, too, but nothing like what MSU is dealing with. State has also been bad this year. The records are similar, but there’s no doubt Ole Miss fans and the program have felt better throughout the year, on average, than MSU fans. So, the narrative will be, “MSU sucks, and is short handed. So they should lose!” And that’s a dangerous, dangerous mentality.

We also, as Ole Miss fans, realize that team and QB that MSU took to Georgia is a different team than what played Kentucky and Vandy. So, State is in, for the most part, a no-lose situation. I don’t mean that in the sense that Ole Miss is clearly a better program or anything, like what that would normally mean. I just mean that with 49 players, it just is what it is.

I think we’ve got some real fun Egg Bowls coming up in the next 3-4 years.

Agree with all of this.

It’s going to be a tough on our defense. I’d probably put no more than five in the box, let nothing behind us, and dare OM to win running the ball. The issue is OM is very capable of doing that, and the tempo could wear our defense out in the second half, given the lack of depth. Very much pick your poison.

We have to be able to stop the run and pressure Corral with five or less, and that’s why missing Wheat and Davis is big. There is a path to an MSU win, but very little margin for error.

 

[patdog]

Let's not kid ourselves. It's the Egg Bowl. It's a must win game for both coaches. Every year.

 

[DoggieDaddy13]

Ole Miss will have an inspired defensive game plan for Leach and a fired up bunch of Landsharks. State will need to score quickly to negate that initial energy. If they don't it will be a long, painful day for State fans.

Arnett is great and you gotta hope he sticks around, but Ole Miss will score more than 30 points. 1-5 more? or 25 more? is the question.

 

[oxfordrebel22]

Q

Agree with all of this.

It’s going to be a tough on our defense. I’d probably put no more than five in the box, let nothing behind us, and dare OM to win running the ball. The issue is OM is very capable of doing that, and the tempo could wear our defense out in the second half, given the lack of depth. Very much pick your poison.

We have to be able to stop the run and pressure Corral with five or less, and that’s why missing Wheat and Davis is big. There is a path to an MSU win, but very little margin for error.

I think this is a very good and well thought out take. Ole Miss has definitely proven that they can beat you in multiple ways on offense. The biggest concern I have, from an Ole Miss perspective is how good of a job your defense did at getting Georgia behind the sticks, in early downs. They faced a tremendous amount of 2nd & 10's and 2nd & 11's. Granted, I don't think Kiffin/Lebby will be that predictable, but they will want to run the ball to wear on your depleted defense. My other concern is around the emotion of the game, and Matt Corral. I think some of that concern is unfounded, as he's really only had 1 bad game this year, but it was a BAD game. He's been nothing short of incredible in those other 6 games. I could be shocked.. but I don't think you'll shut down Elijah Moore. He's special.. you just got to make sure that Ealy, Connor, Yeboah and Mingo don't beat you.

I will say, though, that I think your margin of error is higher than you think.. our defense is truly bad. We don't really do anything well. I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see Leach come out running the ball, and y'all have some significant success with that. Those little dump-off's in the flat that went for 4-5 yards against Georgia are likely to go for 8-10 against us, with at least one of them going for 40+. State is going to score some points. Like I said, we don't rush the passer well, our interior DL is BAD, our LB's are average and made to look worse because the OL gets to the 2nd level on them so easily. Our secondary has some talent, but it's young. Ole Miss fans are expecting Otis Reese to come in and make some major impact.. the guy was running Scout team WR last week, because they didn't think he'd ever be eligible (the NCAA is such ****).. so, I'll just be happy if he can come in and not blow an assignment. Kiffin has repeatedly said he's the most talented defensive player we have, though (which should tell you something).

If State can mitigate the run game from Ole Miss, this game will be really interesting. If Ole Miss can move the ball through the running game, your Safety's are going to have a hard time not getting beat deep. But, Georgia dang sure couldn't do it, so I don't have much confidence that we will either. The game is liable to come down to which QB plays the cleanest game, and who catches a lucky break.

 

[messageboardsuperhero]

This is a bad and unauthorized take. Geez man did you not get the memo:

While sure, we would like to win the game, we have seen enough from Kiffin to be optimistic about the future, and losing the game would not undermine that. So really we have nothing to lose. Leach, on the other hand, is facing a sharply divided fanbase, many of whom are openly skeptical of the efficacy of the Air Raid in the SEC, a mass exodus of players that could spell disaster if he's unable to replenish the roster via recruiting, and questions about whether he will ever be able to recruit the players needed for his offense to work at MSU. And if he can't put up points against a defense that gave up 42 to SC, 41 to Kentucky, and 33 to Arkansas, that would be very concerning. Dare I say this is a must win game for Leach?

Can’t tell if serious, but if that’s an actual narrative, that’s not really how I see it.

That’s not to say that Kiffin would lose any of the fan base with a loss- nor should he. I would say you’ve seen enough OFFENSIVELY to believe in what Kiffin is doing. But losing would definitely be a big wet blanket.

Agree that Leach needs to keep building off the UGA game and put up plenty of yards/points on this OM defense. If he losses in a game where the offense struggles, people will be pissed. If it’s a 45-38 type of loss where the lack of defensive depth shows late, people should be able to understand that.

 

[oxfordrebel22]

Can’t tell if serious, but if that’s an actual narrative, that’s not really how I see it.

That’s not to say that Kiffin would lose any of the fan base with a loss- nor should he. I would say you’ve seen enough OFFENSIVELY to believe in what Kiffin is doing. But losing would definitely be a big wet blanket.

Agree that Leach needs to keep building off the UGA game and put up plenty of yards/points on this OM defense. If he losses in a game where the offense struggles, people will be pissed. If it’s a 45-38 type of loss where the lack of defensive depth shows late, people should be able to understand that.

You are entirely too reasonable and rational to be an MSU or Ole Miss fan.

 

[Arloguthrie]

Can’t tell if serious, but if that’s an actual narrative, that’s not really how I see it.

That’s not to say that Kiffin would lose any of the fan base with a loss- nor should he. I would say you’ve seen enough OFFENSIVELY to believe in what Kiffin is doing. But losing would definitely be a big wet blanket.

Agree that Leach needs to keep building off the UGA game and put up plenty of yards/points on this OM defense. If he losses in a game where the offense struggles, people will be pissed. If it’s a 45-38 type of loss where the lack of defensive depth shows late, people should be able to understand that.

I'm being serious in saying that losing the Egg Bowl wouldn't make me lose faith in Kiffin. From that standpoint this game doesn't have the feel of some years where there's a lot riding on the game. It honestly feels so refreshing to be free of Matt Luke and have a fun offense again regardless of what happens in this game, probably similar to how y'all felt with Mullen after the Croom years. I'm mostly kidding on the Leach stuff, although I do think he has the opportunity to quiet a lot of the dissension if y'all win.

 

[messageboardsuperhero]

You are entirely too reasonable and rational to be an MSU or Ole Miss fan.

Another thing I’ll add- and you may disagree with me here- is I have more faith in Leach getting his offensive issues fixed than I do in Kiffin/Durkin fixing the defense in the future. Even though we have sucked offensively most of this season, Leach has a 20 year track record and appears to have the right QBs/WRs committed. We have also started to get significant contributions from true freshmen all over the offense.

Lost in the Kiffin/OM hype- and I 100% get where it’s coming from- is the fact that the OM defense is terrible and from an outsider perspective, I don’t see how it gets much better in the next year or so. I’m not an expert on the OM roster or recruiting, but I see of the very little talent on the defense, most of it is older guys. Is there any young defensive talent that I’m missing or any on the way I’m not aware of?

It’s easy to see why people are excited about Kiffin, because points, throwing clipboards, big stats, etc are all exciting. But there is a reason that team is still 3-4 with one of the top 5 offenses in America. Regardless of points and scoring, average is probably any team’s ceiling that has a bottom 3 defense in the power 5.

 

[messageboardsuperhero]

I'm being serious in saying that losing the Egg Bowl wouldn't make me lose faith in Kiffin. From that standpoint this game doesn't have the feel of some years where there's a lot riding on the game. It honestly feels so refreshing to be free of Matt Luke and have a fun offense again regardless of what happens in this game, probably similar to how y'all felt with Mullen after the Croom years. I'm mostly kidding on the Leach stuff, although I do think he has the opportunity to quiet a lot of the dissension if y'all win.

Agree with this 100%.

An OM loss this weekend shouldn’t change any OM fan’s feelings on Kiffin. He is a great offensive mind, and he and Lebby clearly work great together. You should be excited by what he’s doing.

 

[kired]

"winning the egg bowl doesn't mean jack" - J. Moorhead**

This game feels more hopeless for us than any egg bowl since probably 2008. It's kind of like 2013 when we knew Williams would be starting instead of Dak. We all knew Dak was our MVP and we needed him to win. This year we need our defense but it's been decimated by covid, injuries, and opt-outs.

Like in 2013, I can appreciate our guys going out and playing hard but it's hard for me to have much hope. But if we do manage to win - it'll go down as one of the more special egg bowl wins just like that 2013 game.

 

[oxfordrebel22]

Another thing I’ll add- and you may disagree with me here- is I have more faith in Leach getting his offensive issues fixed than I do in Kiffin/Durkin fixing the defense in the future. Even though we have sucked offensively most of this season, Leach has a 20 year track record and appears to have the right QBs/WRs committed. We have also started to get significant contributions from true freshmen all over the offense.

Lost in the Kiffin/OM hype- and I 100% get where it’s coming from- is the fact that the OM defense is terrible and from an outsider perspective, I don’t see how it gets much better in the next year or so. I’m not an expert on the OM roster or recruiting, but I see of the very little talent on the defense, most of it is older guys. Is there any young defensive talent that I’m missing or any on the way I’m not aware of?

It’s easy to see why people are excited about Kiffin, because points, throwing clipboards, big stats, etc are all exciting. But there is a reason that team is still 3-4 with one of the top 5 offenses in America. Regardless of points and scoring, average is probably any team’s ceiling that has a bottom 3 defense in the power 5.

All very reasonable. I do think, long term, Kiffin will recruit better than Leach. I’m not saying he will be more successful than Leach, I just think he’s hired a staff to recruit. That seems to be his strategy. Granted, our current class is not good, but it’s also small and there are some really good players we have a chance to close with. He’s also been very transparent about his intention to use the portal. That’s my 100% slanted Ole Miss take.

This defense is a result of years of the NCAA cloud, poor planning and poor coaching. They inherited a mess. Ole Miss has some talent growing and coming in on the back end of the defense, but still desperately needs impact DL. They’re hard to come by.

I completely understand why you feel Leach will get offense going more than Kiffin will defense. There’s a track record there. But, I do feel like there’s a ceiling with Leach’s offense, and Kiffin’s is higher, if he can recruit well. Huge IF. I love the balanced attack. Simple truth is, we both hired really good coaches who are better than their predecessors. Their success will be determined by assistant hires, recruiting, and a little bit of luck (good or bad).

 

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

This is a bad and unauthorized take. Geez man did you not get the memo:

While sure, we would like to win the game, we have seen enough from Kiffin to be optimistic about the future, and losing the game would not undermine that. So really we have nothing to lose. Leach, on the other hand, is facing a sharply divided fanbase, many of whom are openly skeptical of the efficacy of the Air Raid in the SEC, a mass exodus of players that could spell disaster if he's unable to replenish the roster via recruiting, and questions about whether he will ever be able to recruit the players needed for his offense to work at MSU. And if he can't put up points against a defense that gave up 42 to SC, 41 to Kentucky, and 33 to Arkansas, that would be very concerning. Dare I say this is a must win game for Leach?

Where the hell have you been Jughead? We haven't seen your snooty pearls of wisdom in quite some time?

Must win game for Leach? Nice. How deep in the coed market did Freshwater get this season? I know it's still early but he's been quieter than usual and I was curious. That guy can create some offense which has to make Y'all happy since you don't really care about the title as long as team, and the coach is scoring well.

Don't worry about Leach he's fine this year, maybe next. Can't really say after that but I'll let him know you are concerned.

On a serious note... I put a twenty on Ole Miss to cover easy. Trying to get higher odds for +20. You guys have some real speed on offense so I might as well profit from it in this shitastick season.

 

[ababyatemydingo]

He’s also been very transparent about his intention to use the portal. That’s my 100% slanted Ole Miss take.

If he's betting all his marbles on the portal, he need not look any further than State to understand that the portal is fools gold. Players are in the portal for a reason, and usually that reason isn't good, unless they're moving closer to home cause grandma is sick or something.

 

[patdog]

Or unless they're a truly elite player and they're transferring to a team that can legitimately win a national championship.

 

[was21]

Leach and Kiffin too friendly..actually they're both mercenaries...boring...yawn. As far as the game goes State can't score enough points to not lose

 

[ababyatemydingo]

counterpoint. if a team is in a position to win a national championship, it's going to be rare that they are looking in the portal for help. they will have developed that talent in-house

 

[patdog]

Yep. Those transfers are rare. But LSU picked up Joe Burrow, even though he wasn't considered an elite transfer at the time. And Auburn picked up Cam Newton as a JUCO transfer. Oklahoma picked up Jalen Hurts and made the playoffs. I'm just glad we didn't have these transfer rules when Dak was here, not that I think he's the type to transfer out.

 

[messageboardsuperhero]

Yep. Those transfers are rare. But LSU picked up Joe Burrow, even though he wasn't considered an elite transfer at the time. And Auburn picked up Cam Newton as a JUCO transfer. Oklahoma picked up Jalen Hurts and made the playoffs. I'm just glad we didn't have these transfer rules when Dak was here, not that I think he's the type to transfer out.

There are plenty of examples of good transfer QBs- typically because only one QB can play, and it’s entirely possible for a team to have multiple good ones.

The issue with relying on the portal to get impact DL is those guys rarely transfer out, and if they do there are usually red flags. If there is a legit SEC DL in the portal with no red flags, he will be in super high demand.

 

[oxfordrebel22]

If he's betting all his marbles on the portal, he need not look any further than State to understand that the portal is fools gold. Players are in the portal for a reason, and usually that reason isn't good, unless they're moving closer to home cause grandma is sick or something.

I agree, for the most part. But, I think the QB position is a different animal. You certainly don’t want to make a living trying to get your QB through the transfer portal. But, in today’s win now environment, you’re a fool if you don’t use every resource available to you. Ole Miss needs impact DL. Those are hard to recruit, and even harder to find impact freshmen DL. So, you got to go after the best ones you can find through JUCO ranks and the portal. Look at Kenny Yeboah. Ole Miss needed an impact TE to fully run Kiffin’s offense, and he’s been a Top 5 TE in the country.

State’s gotten burned on two transfer QB’s, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to use the portal. The Zuber kid would’ve been good in Leach’s offense, but he just played for a bad Moorhead offense. I do agree though that you don’t want to make a living with 6-8 transfers a year. But, for 2021 Kiffin knows he needs to build on this years positive energy, and the only way to do that is to get better defensively. I think that’s why he’s been so selective taking commitments, because he wants room for maybe that WR from Montana, or the DT from Virginia or Ismael Sophser, DT from Alabama. And with the one-time transfer rule likely being approved this offseason, it may be a free-for-all. You don’t want to miss on a proven DL due to not having a slot, because you used a scholarship on a fringe player. If in 2023 we are looking to take several transfers, something has gone wrong. But, I think he recognizes that the timing for this could be perfect for Ole Miss and allow him to refurbish the defense in one offseason.

I expect both of our schools to also lose several kids to the portal. And some of them will be good players.

 

[Russ Wheeler]

Or unless they're a truly elite player and they're transferring to a team that can legitimately win a national championship.

Yep this is it. The portal really helps the haves more than the have nots. J.T. Daniels is another example. Us or Ole Miss would rarely get that level of transfer. We'd have to get lucky with a guy like Gardner Minshew who was coming from lower levels. Or D'eriq King.

 

[Go Budaw]

Yep. Those transfers are rare. But LSU picked up Joe Burrow, even though he wasn't considered an elite transfer at the time. And Auburn picked up Cam Newton as a JUCO transfer. Oklahoma picked up Jalen Hurts and made the playoffs. I'm just glad we didn't have these transfer rules when Dak was here, not that I think he's the type to transfer out.

Dak could have transferred for his senior year without sitting out even under the old system, because he had graduated.

 

[Russ Wheeler]

Dak could have transferred for his senior year without sitting out even under the old system, because he had graduated.

Seems to me that the only change from the old rules to the new portal is that you can't block transfers, which really shouldn't have happened anyway. Technically the rules are still the same it seems. These were being exploited years ago (Jeremiah Masoli).

If this legislation passes where they can transfer without sitting out, then that is a real game changer. I actually hope that does not happen. It'll help the haves much more.

I would rather see the NFL change their age limit, drop it one more year. That would keep the haves from keeping the super 5 stars for 3 years.

 

[johnson86-1]

If he's betting all his marbles on the portal, he need not look any further than State to understand that the portal is fools gold. Players are in the portal for a reason, and usually that reason isn't good, unless they're moving closer to home cause grandma is sick or something.

I think this year may be different because of COVID and everybody having an extra year of eligiblity (and maybe not losing a year for transferring).

Plus, there is the fact that he doesn't need really good players to improve on what he has on defense.

But agree he's definitely running a big risk there. A lot of those players will be transferring because of not liking their coaching. Even if they on average have two years of eligibility left and work out, it's still like recruiting JUCOs. It's great when they work out, but if you have a JUCO heavy class it just leaves you with more holes to fill in two years, and eventually you get bitten if you continually rely on JUCos to fill those holes.

 

[RocketDawg]

I hope the game isn't delayed - just play it and see who wins. Before the Georgia game, I would have thought we'd lose by 50, but it's obvious now we can score so it could be very close but high-scoring.

 

[oxfordrebel22]

I think this year may be different because of COVID and everybody having an extra year of eligiblity (and maybe not losing a year for transferring).

Plus, there is the fact that he doesn't need really good players to improve on what he has on defense.

But agree he's definitely running a big risk there. A lot of those players will be transferring because of not liking their coaching. Even if they on average have two years of eligibility left and work out, it's still like recruiting JUCOs. It's great when they work out, but if you have a JUCO heavy class it just leaves you with more holes to fill in two years, and eventually you get bitten if you continually rely on JUCos to fill those holes.

This is very fair. It’s definitely not a fool proof plan. But, you just don’t really get the time to build a program through recruiting and development, any more. I’ve often said that’s something State fans and the program should be commended for under Mullen. He got the time to build the program the right way.

Like you said - our defense is so bad, that a few decent transfers can’t hurt. I personally hope he targets G5 kids who have excelled and are trying to get on a national stage (like a Kenny Yeboah). And there will be a lot more of them than normal this year, because of the new rule. It may bite him, but I’m glad that Kiffin is trying to be really progressive. The game is changing. Rapidly.

 

[bruiser.sixpack]

I expect Ole Miss defense to have their best game of the year. Over my 60 years of watching football in this state, I have seen Ole Miss win more Egg Bowls on pure emotion that I ever saw State win without better talent.

They seem to have this “us against the world chip” that has helped them play 60 minutes of emotional football. And this year they have better offensive talent and will bring the defense intensity along with it.

This thing could get ugly, quick!

 

[tenureplan]

You must be a blast to hang out with eeyore

 

[tenureplan]

Oh and basketball starts tomorrow, I'm sure we will be butting heads again

 

[tenureplan]

I predict that my thanksgiving dinner will be more digestible this year.

 

[bruiser.sixpack]

You must be a blast to hang out with eeyore

Shhh! I am trying reverse psychology. Don’t blow up my vibe.

 

[bruiser.sixpack]

Oh and basketball starts tomorrow, I'm sure we will be butting heads again

Nah. We’ll be fine talking basketball.