26-04-2025
Mississippi State faces Ole Miss in Governor's Cup rivalry
Rivalries don't care about records. And when Mississippi State and Ole Miss meet Tuesday night in the annual Governor's Cup at Trustmark Park, it won't just be about bragging rights — it'll be about postseason survival.
Mississippi State enters the game at 24-16 (6-12 SEC) and clinging to the edge of the NCAA Tournament picture. After a rough weekend in Gainesville where the Bulldogs dropped two of three to fellow bubble team Florida, every game now carries extra weight. Sunday's 14-8 win gave the Bulldogs a much-needed spark, powered by Dakota Jordan's two home runs and a 5-RBI day. But if MSU wants to secure a spot in June baseball, beating their biggest rival on neutral turf could be a defining moment.
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Ole Miss, once a Top 15 team nationally, is now 28-12 (10-8 SEC) and trending downward. They lost their weekend series to South Carolina — a team that entered the matchup with just two SEC wins. Tuesday's Governor's Cup is less about redemption and more about halting a slide that could cost them a home regional. Even with a 12-2 mercy-rule win on Sunday, the Rebels need a consistent showing against quality competition — and Mississippi State fits the bill.
Mississippi State leads the all-time series 266-211-5, including a 5-1 win in last season's Governor's Cup. Mississippi State has won 11 of the last 16 Governor's Cup meetings, but history won't help Tuesday. With both teams fighting for better seeding in the SEC Tournament and postseason clarity, this game is about momentum, perception, and positioning. Expect pressure, intensity, and emotion — the Magnolia State wouldn't want it any other way.
Related: Mississippi State eyeing All-American offensive lineman in transfer portal, per sources
This isn't your average midweek matchup. It's State. It's Ole Miss. And it might just decide who's still playing come June. First pitch is at 6 p.m. Tuesday on SECN+. Tune in — and expect fireworks in Pearl.
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