OXFORD (AP) — For a few weeks in October, Mississippi State and Mississippi stood among college football’s elite with undefeated records, star quarterbacks and rare relevance on the national stage.

Not anymore.

While the Bulldogs’ dream season remains largely intact, the Rebels have fallen by the wayside — undone by a series of injuries and missed opportunities. Now No. 4 Mississippi State (10-1, 6-1 Southeastern Conference) must travel to face No. 18 Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3) on Saturday in the Egg Bowl.

The Bulldogs seem to have the edge in most categories — especially momentum. The Rebels have lost three straight conference games, including last week’s embarrassing 30-0 setback to Arkansas.

But Ole Miss holds one key advantage: The home team has won nine of the past 10 Egg Bowls. And that might just be the equalizer that the Rebels need.

“It’s a tough place to go play,” Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen said with a slight grin. “I don’t think they are big fans of mine in that part of the state.”

But Ole Miss will have to play much better than it has over the past month — especially last week when the Rebels gave up six turnovers against the Razorbacks.

In particular, all eyes will be on quarterback Bo Wallace to see how he responds. The senior had one of his worst games against the Razorbacks, fumbling twice and throwing two interceptions.

He also briefly left the game after injuring his right ankle and didn’t have the same zip on his throws when he returned. Coach Hugh Freeze called the injury a sprain and that he expects Wallace will push through the pain and be ready for the Bulldogs.

Mississippi State expects to get Wallace’s best.

“He’s a guy that can get hot and beat you in a hurry,” Mullen said.

The Ole Miss defense will try and slow down Mississippi State’s productive offense — led by quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Josh Robinson. Prescott threw for 193 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 51-0 win over Vanderbilt.

No. 4 Mississippi State is in the midst of a dream season and coming off of an impressive 51-0 victory over Vanderbilt.

The Bulldogs have rolled through the SEC — with the exception of a loss to Alabama — and are still relevant in the SEC West and national playoff picture.