Mullens talks matchup in Egg Bowl

STARKVILLE – One of the most storied rivalries in college football continues Saturday as Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen previewed the 89th Egg Bowl at his weekly press conference on Monday.
Kickoff for the Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels is 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday live on SEC Network from Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Brent Musburger, Jesse Palmer and Kaylee Hartung will call the action.
“It’s obviously a big game any time you have rivalry games. They are huge for anybody, especially when you have an in-state rivalry. There are a lot of bragging rights for the fans. People take a lot of pride in winning the game and having bragging rights for the year. Our guys understand how important this game is and how much it means to the fan base of both schools. We have to come back and have a great week at practice. With Thanksgiving holidays, we will continue our schedule. There is less school so we have more time to practice. Hopefully we will have a great week in preparation and follow it up with a great performance on Saturday.”
On the outcome of the Egg Bowl
“A win makes you happy and a loss makes you sad.”
On the importance of the Egg Bowl this year
“There have been times that this game was all there was. I think, over the last couple of years, both programs have done a great job of raising their level of play and what they have to play for. Both teams have been playing for bigger things. The success for both teams over the past couple of years has made this game not as much of an all or nothing game like it has been in the past.”
On his approach to the Egg Bowl after eight years
“I think I have matured as a coach throughout the past eight years. You always treat these weeks just a little bit different. Rivalry games are a little different feeling around the office and preparation. I understood that eight years ago and it hasn’t changed for me today.”