The annual Magnolia Bowl clash between Ole Miss and LSU is always one of the most anticipated games in the SEC calendar. This classic rivalry pits two storied programs against each other, with pride, history, and sometimes championship aspirations on the line. The 2024 installment of the Magnolia Bowl promises to be another exciting chapter, as the Rebels and Tigers square off in a high-stakes matchup that could have major implications for both teams’ seasons.
The Magnolia Bowl has produced numerous memorable moments over the years, and this year’s game is no exception, with fans eagerly following every play. Here’s a look at the latest in-game updates as Ole Miss and LSU battle it out in what has already been a thrilling contest.
The game began with both teams coming out aggressive, but it was LSU that managed to strike first. After forcing a three-and-out on Ole Miss’s opening drive, LSU’s offense, led by their dynamic quarterback, wasted no time getting on the board. A 50-yard pass down the sideline put the Tigers in scoring position, and they capitalized with a 15-yard touchdown pass to take an early 7-0 lead.
Ole Miss tried to respond, leaning on their rushing attack to establish some rhythm. Running back Quinshon Judkins showed his usual power and elusiveness, breaking off a few solid runs to move the Rebels down the field. However, the drive stalled in LSU territory, and Ole Miss settled for a 42-yard field goal, making it 7-3 midway through the first quarter.
LSU’s offense continued to put pressure on the Ole Miss defense, utilizing their speed and athleticism. A key play came when LSU’s quarterback broke free for a 30-yard scramble, setting up another score on a short touchdown run. At the end of the first quarter, LSU led 14-3, with Ole Miss needing to find answers on both sides of the ball.
Ole Miss’s coaching staff made some key adjustments heading into the second quarter, shifting to a quicker-paced offensive scheme. The change paid off as quarterback Jaxson Dart started finding his rhythm, connecting on a series of short passes that moved the chains. A highlight of the drive was a 25-yard catch-and-run by wide receiver Tre Harris, putting Ole Miss inside the red zone.
Facing a crucial third down, Dart found tight end Michael Trigg in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown, cutting LSU’s lead to 14-10. The Rebel fans in the stands erupted, sensing a shift in momentum.
LSU responded with a sustained drive of their own, but Ole Miss’s defense tightened up, forcing a field goal attempt. The kick sailed wide right, giving Ole Miss a chance to take the lead before halftime. The Rebels capitalized, driving down the field quickly with the help of a 40-yard bomb from Dart to Jordan Watkins. With time winding down, Ole Miss kicker Caden Davis nailed a 35-yard field goal, making it 14-13 as the teams headed into the locker room.
The third quarter saw both defenses step up, turning the game into a chess match as both teams struggled to gain the upper hand. Ole Miss’s defensive line, which had been under pressure in the first half, began to disrupt LSU’s running game, forcing the Tigers into long third-down situations. Ole Miss linebacker Suntarine Perkins came up with a key sack on LSU’s opening drive, forcing a punt.
Ole Miss’s offense, however, was unable to seize the moment. Despite strong running from Judkins, who crossed the 100-yard mark early in the third quarter, the Rebels couldn’t convert on crucial third downs. LSU’s defense, led by their standout linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., matched the intensity, forcing the Rebels into consecutive punts.
With the score still 14-13, LSU put together a promising drive late in the third quarter. A 20-yard completion set them up in field goal range, but once again, the Ole Miss defense held strong. LSU settled for a field goal to extend their lead to 17-13 heading into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Late-Game Drama Unfolds
The fourth quarter began with Ole Miss showing urgency. Dart led the Rebels on a methodical drive, using short passes and a strong ground game to move the ball into LSU territory. Facing a fourth-and-1 at the LSU 30-yard line, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin made the gutsy call to go for it. Judkins delivered, bulldozing through the line for a critical first down.
A few plays later, Dart rolled out to his right and found Watkins in the back of the end zone for a touchdown, giving Ole Miss their first lead of the game at 20-17 with just under ten minutes left. The energy in the stadium was electric, as the Rebel faithful sensed a potential upset brewing.
LSU, however, was not ready to fold. Their quarterback engineered a quick response, connecting on a series of passes to move downfield. With just over five minutes remaining, LSU found themselves inside the Ole Miss 10-yard line. On third-and-goal, Ole Miss cornerback Deantre Prince made a clutch pass breakup, forcing LSU to kick a game-tying field goal. With the score tied at 20-20, the stage was set for a thrilling finish.
Final Moments: A Game of Inches
As the clock ticked under two minutes, Ole Miss had one last chance to drive for the win. Starting at their own 25-yard line, Dart and the offense moved quickly, aided by a crucial 15-yard scramble that put them near midfield. A pass interference call on LSU gave Ole Miss another 15 yards, setting them up at the LSU 35-yard line.
With just seconds left, Davis lined up for a potential game-winning 52-yard field goal. The kick had the distance, but the pressure of the moment proved too much, as the ball clanged off the right upright, sending the game into overtime.
Overtime: Ole Miss Prevails in Thriller
In the overtime period, Ole Miss won the toss and chose to play defense first. LSU managed to score a field goal, putting pressure on the Rebels to find the end zone. After two quick completions, Ole Miss faced a third-and-goal from the 8-yard line. Dart delivered a strike to Trigg, who made a diving catch for the touchdown, sealing a 26-23 victory for the
The 2024 Magnolia Bowl lived up to its billing, delivering a classic showdown between two SEC rivals. For Ole Miss, the win is a statement, showcasing resilience and the ability to perform under pressure. It is a victory that could propel them forward in the SEC standings and strengthen their bowl game hopes.
For LSU, the loss is a setback, but their competitive play throughout the game indicates that they will remain a tough opponent in the weeks to come. As both teams look ahead to the rest of their season, the Magnolia Bowl will be remembered as a hard-fought battle that came down to the wire. And for fans of college football, it served as a reminder of why the Ole Miss-LSU rivalry is one of the sport’s best traditions.