Rebels Projected to be Superior Mississippi Team in 2021

One of the most notable rivalries in college football is between the two top schools in the state of Mississippi: Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

Both teams have been relatively evenly matched in recent years, supported by the 5-5 record in the last ten editions of the Egg Bowl, but now it seems like Ole Miss will have the upper hand for the foreseeable future.

WynnBET has the projected win total for the Rebels set at 7.5, with the over being the sizable -275 favorite. Meanwhile, WynnBETs projected win total for the Bulldogs is set at 5.5, two games lower than their rivals.

This is unwelcomed news for Mississippi State fans, as the two programs seem to be trending in opposite directions.

Matt Corral returns to Ole Miss with another year of experience with Lane Kiffin’s offense. Corral threw for an average of 333.7 yards per game under Kiffin’s pass-heavy offense, while throwing for a total of 29 touchdowns and completing passes at a rate of 70.9%.

All-SEC running back Jerrion Ealy will also be returning for the Rebels after rushing for 745 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

The biggest weakness for Ole Miss in 2020 was certainly their defense, but freshman defensive lineman Tywone Malone, who was the No. 6 defensive tackle recruit in the nation, will help sure up their interior. With a number of defensive starters returning, as well as adding a handful of transfers, the Rebels’ defense will be much improved this season.

Then you have the Mississippi State Bulldogs, whose offense averaged only 340.2 yards per game last season. With the quarterback situation still not figured out, head coach Mike Leach has his work cut out for him if he wants them to be competitive in 2021.

While neither team is expected to challenge Alabama in the SEC West, Ole Miss certainly seems like it will be the better of the two Mississippi teams this year. The Rebels odds to win the SEC are set at +1700, while the Bulldogs’ odds are set at +2500.