The Ultimate 2022 Egg Bowl Guide: TV Channel, Tickets, History, Key Matchups & How to Watch Live

The 2022 edition of the Egg Bowl lands on ABC’s primetime slot, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. Central Time. If you have a basic cable package, simply flip to the local ABC affiliate (usually WJTV in Jackson). For cord‑cutters, the ABC app offers a free live stream for authenticated TV subscribers, while ESPN+ carries the game for those with a standalone subscription. Mobile viewers can also catch the action through the NFL Mobile app, which mirrors ABC’s broadcast feed. Make sure to test your login credentials at least an hour before kickoff; a last‑minute authentication issue can ruin the experience.

The 2022 Egg Bowl returns to Mississippi State’s Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, a venue that seats roughly 60,000 fans and sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. The stadium’s west side houses the premium Club Level, while the north end zone features the popular “Bowl” sections where alumni congregate. Arrive early to soak up the pre‑game tailgate scene—food trucks, live music, and the iconic “Egg Roll” tradition where fans exchange fried eggs for good luck. Parking passes are sold alongside tickets; the most convenient lot is the “North Parking Deck,” which offers a shuttle to the main entrance. Public transportation via Starkville’s shuttle service runs every 15 minutes from downtown, a handy option for those avoiding traffic.

First, visit the official ticket portals: msstate.edu/tickets for the Bulldogs and olemiss.edu/tickets for the Rebels. After selecting your preferred section, you’ll be prompted to create an account—this secures your purchase and provides a digital QR code for entry. If primary tickets sell out, turn to verified resale platforms like Ticketmaster’s Verified Resale or SeatGeek; filter results by “Verified” to avoid scalpers. For group purchases (10+ seats), contact the university’s ticket office directly; they often bundle seats with catering options for corporate outings. Remember to check the refund policy—most tickets are non‑refundable unless the game is postponed, but many vendors offer a credit toward future events.

Since the inaugural clash in 1901, the Egg Bowl has produced 120 regular‑season meetings. Ole Miss leads the series with 58 wins, Mississippi State trails with 55, and seven games ended in ties before overtime rules were introduced. The 1990s saw a dramatic swing: the Bulldogs captured five straight victories from 1990‑1994, breaking a long Ole Miss streak. More recently, the 2010‑2015 period was marked by back‑and‑forth wins, illustrating how evenly matched the programs have become. Notable upsets include the 2007 game where an unranked Mississippi State upset a top‑10 Ole Miss team, a result still cited in recruiting circles as a turning point for the Bulldogs’ defensive philosophy.

One of the night’s marquee duels pits Mississippi State’s defensive end, Javon Johnson, against Ole Miss’s offensive tackle, Caleb Williams. Johnson’s sack total last season (12.5) placed him among the SEC’s elite pass rushers, while Williams anchored a line that allowed just 3.2 sacks per game. Their head‑to‑head clash will likely dictate the Rebels’ passing rhythm. On the other side of the ball, the quarterback showdown between MSU’s sophomore starter, Tyler Smith, and Ole Miss’s senior, Matt Corral, offers a contrast of styles—Smith’s dual‑threat mobility versus Corral’s precise pocket passing. Expect both offenses to test the secondary with play‑action routes, making the defensive backfield a critical factor.

The rivalry earned its “Egg Bowl” moniker in 1927 when a brass trophy shaped like a golden egg was introduced. The egg symbolizes the agricultural roots of Mississippi, and the tradition of handing it over after each game has become a statewide ritual. Over the decades, the game has mirrored broader social changes: the 1963 contest was the first integrated matchup, while the 2000s saw massive stadium upgrades that turned Davis Wade into a modern facility. The Egg Bowl also fuels local economies—hotels, restaurants, and retailers report a 30% revenue surge during the week surrounding the game, underscoring its economic impact beyond the gridiron.

Beyond the Johnson‑Williams duel, keep an eye on Mississippi State’s running back, Zay Jones, who rushed for 1,150 yards last season and possesses a knack for breaking tackles in the red zone. On Ole Miss’s side, wide receiver Jalen Adams, a junior with 1,020 receiving yards in 2021, can stretch defenses with his deep‑ball speed. Veteran leadership will also shape the outcome; Bulldogs’ linebacker Marcus Allen, a senior with three years of All‑SEC honors, brings a cerebral approach to defensive play‑calling, while Rebels’ senior safety, Travis Miller, anchors a secondary that forced 18 turnovers last year. Their experience in high‑pressure games could be the X‑factor when the clock winds down.

The Golden Egg trophy exchange is the centerpiece, but the pre‑game “Egg Roll” is equally iconic—fans gather at the stadium’s east entrance, trade fried eggs for good luck, and chant “Hotty Toddy, Hotty Toddy, gay‑ho‑ey!” The post‑game “Egg Walk” sees the winning team’s marching band escort the trophy around the field, a ritual that dates back to 1935. Another beloved tradition is the “Battle of the Banners,” where each side displays a massive banner of the opponent’s mascot, a playful nod to rivalry respect. Finally, the “Egg Bowl Parade” in downtown Starkville the day before the game showcases floats from local high schools, linking community pride to college football fervor.

Heading into the Egg Bowl, the SEC’s latest AP poll places Ole Miss at No. 12, buoyed by a 7‑1 record and a potent offense averaging 38 points per game. Mississippi State sits at No. 22, riding a five‑game winning streak that includes a surprise upset over a top‑five opponent. Both teams boast top‑10 defenses in the conference, but Ole Miss’s secondary leads in pass efficiency, while the Bulldogs excel in run defense, allowing just 92 yards per game. These rankings set the stage for a classic clash of offensive firepower versus defensive resilience, with the victor likely to secure a coveted spot in a New Year’s bowl.

If you’re away from a TV, the ABC app is your primary gateway; it requires you to link a participating TV provider, but once authenticated you can stream on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. ESPN+ offers an alternative without a cable login, though you’ll need a $9.99 monthly subscription. For those who prefer a free route, the network’s official website sometimes provides a live stream for users in the United States, but geo‑restrictions apply. To avoid buffering, connect to a wired Ethernet network, close background apps, and set your device’s video quality to “Auto” or “High” based on bandwidth. A quick test run an hour before kickoff can save you from missing the opening drive.