There’s just over a week before the Egg Bowl, which is set for Thanksgiving, a chance for Ole Miss and Mississippi State to showcase their programs to the rest of the country.

Rebels coach Matt Luke was asked about the unique nature of playing the game on the holiday.

“With the open date, it’s easier,” Luke said on the SEC media teleconference. “I like the rivalry and the tradition of having it on Thanksgiving and it showcases Mississippi. I think (the players) look at it as a game to play, not as a negative but as an opportunity to showcase themselves on national television.”

It’s also a very important game locally.

“It’s a huge game for the state of Mississippi,” Luke said. “Bragging rights, recruiting, good family and friends that have split ties. This is a state that’s very passionate about its football and we have a chip on our shoulder to show we can compete. It’s special to the state.”

Luke said the Rebels’ running game has improved the most since the first game of the season, but there have been other areas, too.

“We have made strides,” Luke said, “didn’t necessarily show against LSU, but more sound on defense.”

Luke also explained how tough it’s been after NCAA sanctions.

“It’s had its challenges, obviously,” Luke said, “last year was our first class, allowed us to get back to our numbers but these freshmen have been promising… we have to stack these classes on top of each other and build this thing the right way.”

One of those is QB John Rhys Plumlee, and Luke said, “As he has had more and more success, his leadership will grow… I’ve been impressed with how he has handled himself.”