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WATCH: Matt Corral puts Mississippi State defense on spin cycle in Egg Bowl

photos -jpgby:Ashton Pollard11/25/21

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Chris McDill/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral has made clutch plays for the Rebels all season, and Thursday night’s Egg Bowl against Mississippi State was no exception. 

Early in the fourth quarter, the Heisman Trophy contender utilized a spin move to take the ball in for a 4-yard score. The touchdown gave the Rebels a 24-6 lead over their in-state rival, and they ultimately held on to win 31-21.

The rushing score was Corral’s 11th of the season, and the signal caller had 12 carries for 45 rushing yards and was 26-for-34 with 234 passing yards and a touchdown to running back Jerrion Ealy on the night.

He now has 30 total touchdowns and just four interceptions on the year, and Corral ranks in the top 10 in total offense nationally.

Mississippi State was one of just six Power Five defenses holding opponents under 100 rushing yards per game this season entering Thursday’s game, and they were relatively stout against Ole Miss’ typically explosive rushing attack. No Ole Miss player exceeded 60 yards on the night.

In terms of total stats, the teams were relatively even. Ole Miss finished with 388 yards and 23 first downs, while Mississippi State finished with 420 yards and 30 first downs. The time of possession was nearly split.

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The difference in the game was a result of Mississippi State’s inability to capitalize on red zone trips. Additionally, the Bulldogs missed a couple of field goals as their kicking woes continue. Kicker Nolan McCord was 2-for-4 on the night, missing kicks from 33 and 40 yards out.

Rebels win 10 regular season games for first time

Ole Miss will head into the postseason 10-2, the first time they have ever won 10 regular season games. Kiffin has now won at least 10 games at three schools: USC, Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss.

Further, the conclusion of this season marks the first time the Rebels have finished above .500 since 2015.

Both the Sugar Bowl and the Peach Bowl are on the table for Ole Miss should they be selected to attend a New Year’s Six game.