Egg Bowl injury updates: Mississippi State at Ole Miss Wednesday availability report revealed

In a loaded rivalry weekend slate in the SEC, the Egg Bowl takes center stage on Friday afternoon. Kickoff from Starkville is set for 11 a.m. CT, with the Mississippi State Bulldogs hosting the Ole Miss Rebels. One of the more underrated rivalries in the sport, emotions are going to be high in the 122nd edition.

Before then, there are a few injuries both teams are dealing with. Wednesday brought the second SEC availability report of the week. Since the game is scheduled for a day earlier than normal, initial reports were released on Tuesday.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

• CB Jett Jefferson – Out
• DL Will Whitson – Out
• OL Brennan Smith – Out
• OL Blake Steen – Out
• RB Davon Booth – Out (first half)
• DB Isaac Smith – Questionable

Ole Miss Rebels

• LB Raymond Collins – Doubtful
• WR Caleb Cunningham – Probable
• CB Antonio Kite – Questionable

Ole Miss has won back-to-back games, looking to extend the winning streak to three. You have to go back three decades to find the last instance of such, when the Rebels won from 2002 to 2004. A lot of back-and-forth in this rivalry, being a part of the fun.

More than normal bragging rights are on the line as well. Ole Miss can seemingly lock in a spot for the College Football Playoff with a win. The Rebels are still alive for the SEC Championship as well, even if it’s considered a long shot.

As for Mississippi State, bowl eligibility remains a possibility. Jeff Lebby‘s squad holds a 5-6 record and could get back in the postseason for the first time since 2022. Beating your bitter, bitter rivals to pull off the accomplishment would be a massive step forward as well.

Of course, the biggest storyline with the game does not even involve the on-field product. Everyone is waiting to see what Lane Kiffin does with his future. Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter revealed a decision will be made on Saturday, presumably around 24 hours after the Egg Bowl.

Florida and LSU are the two external programs fighting for Kiffin’s services. Watching him leave only brings more questions for Ole Miss — particularly if they go to Atlanta and make the CFP. Carter may have to name an interim head coach for the most important games in program history.

Few games deliver on an annual basis like the Egg Bowl. Emotions should be high from Davis-Wade Stadium for a great start to Black Friday in the SEC.