The Battle for the Golden Egg

With a tradition here at Mississippi State that runs as deep as the Cowbell, MSU fans are ecstatic about hosting this years Egg Bowl against the University of Mississippi. But, where did the "Battle for the Golden Egg" begin? In 1926 the University of Mississippi and Mississippi A&M College, later changed to Mississippi State University, played each other at the Ole Miss football stadium. Fans from both schools were cheering on their teams, but students from Ole Miss were expecting a loss that year, which actually resulted in their team winning. Upset and cheering fans went into a frenzy over the loss of MSU and the win for Ole Miss. Fans stormed the field and went into an uproar, which resulted in players and fans getting injured. So as a way to find peace, the Golden Egg trophy was presented. It was an agreement from both student bodies that a game would not result in outraged chaos again. The teams played each other for a few more years, but it was not until 1991, that the Egg Bowl would become a significant game for the two teams. That year Mississippi State hosted Ole Miss in the Battle for the Golden Egg, the first time they had played each other since 1972, and since then the Egg Bowl trophy remains with the winning team and each team rotates hosting the other year after year. 

But this year, Mississippi State is looking to win back the Egg Bowl trophy and bring it back home to Starkville. This years big game is held on Thanksgiving Day for the first time since 2003. So what does this mean for the Bulldog family and football team at Mississippi State? It means we want to bring home a victory and to be the host for the Egg Bowl trophy until another game in 2014.

This years game ball was even ran all the way from Oxford to Starkville by the ROTC of Ole Miss and Mississippi State, it was passed off Monday afternoon in Calhoun City, and has now reached Starkville. What an amazing event to kick-start such an exciting week for both schools! The photo was posted on HAIL STATE's Instagram page, along with updates of where the ROTC and ball were throughout the day.
                                                
The Egg Bowl is always one of the coldest games of the year, but its one that no one wants to miss. With such a strong tradition for both schools, the 2013 Egg Bowl will be an exciting one for sure! 

Here at Town and Gown we hope that you enjoy this week of Thanksgiving and get out on Thursday to cheer on your favorite team!