College Football: 20 best rivalry games to watch in 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

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STARKVILLE, MS – NOVEMBER 23: A.J. Brown #1 of the Mississippi Rebels scores a touchdown as Brandon Bryant #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tries to defend during the second half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

19. Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State

The “Egg Bowl” or the “Battle for the Golden Egg’ as some refer to, is an annual matchup between the Rebels and the Bulldogs. The Golden Egg is the ultimate prize for winning this rivalry game. The trophy itself was first introduced in 1927.

When Ole Miss broke a 13-game losing streak in the series by winning the 1926 game, the Rebel fans stormed the field trying to take down the goal post. This led to fans of Mississippi State, or Mississippi A&M back then, to unleash and an all-out brawl ensued.

For the following year, the students of both schools agreed that there should be a trophy given to the winner to avoid another brawl. After that, “The Egg Bowl” was officially born.

A few notable matchups during this rivalry also have their own nicknames. The 1983 game became known as “The Immaculate Deflection”. Mississippi State kicker Artie Cosby attempted a 27-yard field goal with the Bulldogs trailing by a point. The kicked looked to be good until a sudden gust of wind held the ball in the air just before it went over the crossbar. Ole Miss held on for a 24-23 win.

The 1999 game was dubbed “The Pick and the Kick”. After trailing by 14, Mississippi State rallied to tie the game. Instead of playing for the tie, Ole Miss decided to pass but the ball was deflected off the foot of Bulldog corner Robert Bean. Eugene Clinton intercepted the ball off the deflection and Mississippi State kicked a game-winning field goal.

The 2017 matchup was filled with drama. After Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald broke dislocated his ankle in the first quarter, the Rebels built a 24-6 lead. The Bulldogs rallied but fell short 31-28. New Mississippi State coach Joe Moorhead will be looking to right the wrong from last season. This game will be a must-watch in SEC play.