Ole Miss Using Bye Week to Prepare for Annual Egg Bowl Matchup

By Adam Brown
Sports Editor
adam.brown@hottytoddy.com

Ole Miss comes into the final bye of the season after a 58-37 loss to No. 1 LSU. Coach Matt Luke met with members of the media on Monday to discuss the next 10 days as they prepare for the Egg Bowl.

Ole Miss football head coach Matt Luke. Photo by Talbert Toole.

“We have to get healthy and try to get the trophy back,” Luke said.

Heading into the annual Egg Bowl matchup, Ole Miss should almost be at full-strength with junior defensive back Jonathan Haynes possibly returning from an ankle injury; however, junior defensive back Jaylon Jones is expected to remain out with a knee injury. 

“(His injury) may be a little more serious than we thought,” Luke said. “We are still getting some things checked out, but it looks like he will be out for this game.”

Ole Miss Defensive Coordinator Mike MacIntyre told the media that with Jones out and a couple of players banged up they will rotate players.

“We will double-teach guys positions to create as much depth as we can,” MacIntyre said. “Hopefully we can get Jonathan back.”

Heading into the final game of the season, the Rebels are 4-7. With a win against MSU, an APR bowl could be where Ole Miss ends up this season. After the game, Ole Miss will figure out different scenarios. However, they are focused on one game at a time, according to Luke.

“Everything goes into this one game as we are going to go find a way to win,” Luke said. “Then let the chips fall where they may.”

Ole Miss and Mississippi State will renew their rivalry on Thanksgiving night in the Egg Bowl at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN.