Ole Miss won its third Egg Bowl in the past four years and its second straight as Chad Kelly and the Rebels — 63-43-6 all-time against Mississippi State — handily won the 112th meeting between the Magnolia State rivals. For Ole Miss, it’s the Rebels’ first win in Starkville since the 2003 season.

Kelly’s offense posted more points in the first quarter (21) of their 38-27 win over the No. 23 Bulldogs than they scored in total during their last two trips to Starkville combined (13).

Here are some thoughts on the 2015 Egg Bowl:

What it means: Ole Miss knew heading into the game that its SEC West title hopes had been quashed by an Alabama win over Auburn. The No. 19 Rebels finish second in the division with a 6-2 SEC record (9-3 overall). Mississippi State ends the regular season 8-4 overall for the sixth winning season under Dan Mullen, but a middling 4-4 in the SEC.

What I liked, Ole Miss: Ole Miss wanted to storm out of the gate and never let up. That’s exactly what Chad Kelly and the Rebels offense was able to do, lighting up Mississippi State for 438 total yards. Ole Miss was able to put up 28 first-half points. Damore’ea Stringfellow caught two touchdowns (36 and 2 yards) and Jordan Wilkins added a 38-yard rushing score. All told, Ole Miss rushed for 202 yards.

What I liked, Mississippi State: It was a rough first half for Mississippi State, which found themselves staring at a 28-3 deficit at halftime. Rather than fold, the Bulldogs came out strong in the second half, forcing Ole Miss into a three-and-out, which Dak Prescott turned into Mississippi State’s first touchdown with a 1-yard run. From there, Mississippi State outscored Ole Miss 24-10.

What I didn’t like, Ole Miss: Ole Miss’ kicking game allowed Mississippi State to wrest some momentum back. Gary Wunderlich missed his first two attempts (38 and 34 yards) and Will Gleeson shanked a punt for 18 yards, allowing Dak Prescott to get the fans’ cowbells ringing. Wunderlich was able to atone, hitting a career-long 48-yard attempt to put Ole Miss up 31-13 toward the end of the third quarter.

What I didn’t like, Mississippi State: Mississippi State struggled most of the night to contain Ole Miss’ edge attack from Robert Nkemdiche and Marquis Haynes, who routinely beat their one-on-one matchups. The absence of two of the Bulldogs starting tackles was sorely felt, as the Rebels were able to sack Dak Prescott six times and fall to their biggest deficit on the year.

Who’s the man: Chad Kelly was the better quarterback in a dream matchup of the SEC’s top gunslingers. Kelly finished with 236 yards passing and two touchdowns while leading the Rebels in rushing with 74 yards. Kelly got the scoring started, barreling for a 26-yard score. His 10 rushing touchdowns this season are the most by a Rebels quarterback since Archie Manning found the end zone 14 times in 1969. The 38 points scored by Ole Miss were the most they’ve scored in Starkville since Eli Manning posted a 31-0 win over Mississippi State in the 2003 Egg Bowl.

Key play: Kelly was the catalyst of the Ole Miss offense, but it was the Rebels defense that provided the key play. DeMarquis Gates forced Prescott into fumbling the ball on the game’s eighth play from scrimmage, which was promptly recovered by Chief Brown on the Mississippi State 38-yard line. Four plays later, Kelly was in the end zone with the game’s first score. Cornerback Tony Bridges’ 45-yard pick-six interception return put the Rebels up 21-0.

What’s next: Pending a Florida loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game, Ole Miss is potentially in line to play in the Sugar Bowl against the top Big 12 team not admitted into the College Football Playoff. For Mississippi State, they await their bowl fate, with possibilities including the Music City or Belk bowls as options.