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Cowbell Corner

Governor’s Cup Preview: Power-Hitting Rebels Meet Balanced Bulldogs

Mississippi State meets Ole Miss in a rivalry rematch at Trustmark Park. Here’s everything to know, including streaming info and weather concerns.
Taylor Hodges|
Mississippi State Outfielder Aidan Teel (#5) Mississippi State Catcher Kevin Milewski (#21) during the game between the Louisiana State and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium in Starkville, MS.
Mississippi State Outfielder Aidan Teel (#5) Mississippi State Catcher Kevin Milewski (#21) during the game between the Louisiana State and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium in Starkville, MS. | Mississippi State Athletics

It hasn’t even been five full weeks, but it feels longer since one of college sports’ oldest rivalries last took the field.

Mississippi State rolled into Swayze Field in March and left with a sweep. Now the two teams meet again for the Governor’s Cup, with the annual neutral-site game set for Trustmark Park in Pearl. At least, that’s the plan.

Thunderstorms are listed as “likely” in the afternoon and evening, which could complicate things. As of noon, though, first pitch was still set for the original start time.

The Opponent: Ole Miss

Ole Miss comes in at 31-14 overall and 11-10 in SEC play after dropping two of three to No. 5 Georgia over the weekend. The Rebels have handled their business outside the league, going 20-4 in non-conference games and 2-2 at neutral sites.

They’ll bring plenty of power with them to Pearl. Ole Miss is hitting .265 as a team with 65 doubles, 78 home runs, 297 RBIs and a .473 slugging percentage. Add in 256 walks and a .392 on-base percentage, and it’s another lineup that can pressure Mississippi State’s pitching staff with both patience and punch.

Tristan Bissetta has been the anchor. He’s hitting .329 with 57 hits, nine doubles, 19 home runs and 51 RBIs while slugging .711. Judd Utermark is right behind him with a .320 average, 17 homers, 40 RBIs and a team-high 56 runs. Will Furniss is also at .329 with five home runs, 39 RBIs and a team-best .460 on-base percentage.

Dom Decker has added eight homers and 24 RBIs, Austin Fawley has chipped in six home runs and 23 RBIs, and Collin Reuter leads the team with 12 doubles. When the ball leaves the yard, the Rebels usually win. They’re 18-3 when hitting two or more home runs.

On the mound, Ole Miss has been steady. The staff carries a 4.00 ERA with 509 strikeouts against 147 walks in 393 2/3 innings, and opponents are hitting .239.

Starting Pitchers

RHP Brendan Sweeney vs. RHP Owen Kelly

  • Sweeney: 0-0, 6.46 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 15.1 IP, 15 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 5 BB, 17 SO, .259 Opp. BA
  • Kelly: 2-1, 3.04 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 23.2 IP, 23 H, 13 R, 8 Er, 9 BB, 24 SO, .256 Opp. BA

Weather Forecast

Rain is certainly in the forecast for Tuesday in Pearl. The National Weather Service forecast says showers and thunderstorms are likely throughout the day. “Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.”

The nighttime forecast is similar. Showers and thunderstorms are likely before 9 p.m. “Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.”

How to Watch: 2026 Governor’s Cup

  • Who: No. 10 Mississippi State Bulldogs (34-10, 13-8 SEC) vs. No. 17 Ole Miss Rebels (31-14, 11-10 SEC)
  • When: 6 p.m., Tuesday
  • Where: Trustmark Park, Pearl, Miss.
  • TV: SECN+
  • Radio: Live Radio
  • Stats: Live Stats
  • Series History: Mississippi State leads the all-time series 271-213
  • Last Meeting: Mississippi State 7, Ole Miss 1
  • Last time out, Rebels: lost to No. 5 Georgia, 5-1
  • Last time out, Bulldogs: def. LSU, 13-8
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Published
Taylor Hodges
TAYLOR HODGES

Award-winning sports editor, writer, columnist, and photographer with 15 years’ experience offering his opinion and insight about the sports world in Mississippi and Texas, but he was taken to Razorback pep rallies at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth before he could walk. Taylor has covered all levels of sports, from small high schools in the Mississippi Delta to NFL games. Follow Taylor on Twitter and Facebook.

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