Some games are big. Others are monumental. And then there’s this season’s Magnolia Bowl — a rivalry that takes center stage this season as the reigning National Champions face off against one of the most recognizable coaching figures in modern NDL history.
By the Numbers: Magnolia Bowl Rivalry Breakdown
Series Record: LSU leads 22-9
Longest Win Streak: LSU, 8 games
First Meeting: Season 1 – Ole Miss 30, LSU 14
Most Recent Matchup: Season 31 – LSU 31, Ole Miss 28 Magnolia Bowl History
As with many rivalries in the NDL, this one has been lopsided — and the edge belongs squarely to LSU. The Tigers have built a dominant 22-9 all-time lead over the Rebels, including a commanding eight-game win streak from Seasons 9 to 16.
Geography hasn’t helped Ole Miss much either. LSU owns an 11-5 record when visiting Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, and they’ve been even more ruthless at home in Death Valley, where they’re 11-4 against the Rebels.
Beyond the Magnolia Bowl, LSU's resume is stacked. Four National Championships. Four NDL Cup titles. A staggering 363-163 all-time record — winning just under 70% of their games. Ole Miss, on the other hand, has struggled historically, compiling a 190-252 record for a win percentage of just 43%.
And let’s not forget: LSU comes into this season as the defending National Champion, having momentarily halted the dynastic reign of Jiggy Jrod.
While the stats clearly favor LSU, this season’s matchup introduces a new wildcard: Coach Smitty. A bold offseason hire by Ole Miss, Smitty brings a proven pedigree and the promise of a program shake-up — even if he’s already admitted his time in Oxford may be short.
But short doesn’t mean uneventful. Since starting his NDL coaching career in Season 29, Smitty has compiled an eye-popping 51-11 record and has become a mainstay in the College Football Playoff conversation. Notably, he’s already notched a postseason win over LSU and their head coach bucknut333 — eliminating the Tigers in Season 30 while leading Iowa State to the brink of a championship.
This game isn’t just a rivalry — it’s a collision course between tradition and transformation. On one side: LSU, the established powerhouse. On the other: Ole Miss, the ambitious underdog with a fearless leader.
Yes, the numbers historically favor the Tigers. But when these two NDL heavyweights collide, history might just take a backseat to the moment. And don’t be surprised if this showdown is just the first of many meetings between these two contenders before the season ends.
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