The Grove Games?: Ole Miss Makes Changes To Annual Grove Bowl Format

The Ole Miss Rebels are making some major changes for the annual Grove Bowl this offseason.

Ole Miss heads back to the practice field one final week in preparation for the annual Grove Bowl later this weekend.

At least that was the case entering the week, but Rebels coach Lane Kiffin is making a few switches prior to kickoff.

This year, the Grove Bowl won't be called the Grove Bowl, but rather the Grove Bowl Games as the Rebels will rid the old game in favor of more so different events. Fans will have a chance to see 7-on-7 action along with a variety of skills competitions.

The event will take place at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on April 13.

According to Kiffin, both sides of the ball will break up into teams. The points will determine which side wins. How does one earn these points? That will be part of the skills challenge and by scoring either on a passing touchdown or interception.

Oct 28, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Juice Kiffin, Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin dog,

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

The reason for the change is to keep players healthy. Ole Miss looks to be built like a contender in the revamped version of the College Football Playoff, but any injury could wreck the chances of a postseason berth.

With this format, fans will still get a chance to see Jaxson Dart air out 40-plus yard passes to Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins. Running backs like Ulysses Bentley can still hit, but instead of reaching the ground, he'll just bounce off the linebacker and keep moving through.

Ole Miss is coming off its best finish in program history with a Peach Bowl win over Penn State. Everything is on building past the 11-2 season and into new heights.

The only downside for fans will be watching the defensive line. With seven-on-seven drills being a norm, there's no need to rush the passer, so newcomers Princely Umanmielen and Walter Nolen will have to work out on the side.

Fans still can enjoy the event, even if it's not a full-on game. Let Juice Kiffin score a touchdown and receive a belly rub from every fan, and everyone walks away happy in Oxford.