"It's bad blood," the senior defensive tackle said Tuesday as the No. 18 Bulldogs prepared for Thursday's game. "You don't know how much the people hate each other until you play."

Mississippi (7-3, 4-3) and Mississippi State (8-2, 5-2) have been squaring off for almost 100 years, doing it on the final game of the season since 1947, and begrudging each other every yard, every down and every score along the way.

This year, the game not only means state bragging rights and a possible edge in recruiting, it also could also impact the bowl bid that each school expects to get.

"It's a game where there are an awful lot of things involved," Mississippi State coach Jackie Sherrill said. "You've got two schools who have accomplished a lot: two schools that are going to bowls, two schools that have competed for the championship. A lot of times it's not, but this game is good for both schools."

Mississippi State has had three straight winning season and won the Southeastern Conference Western Division title last season. This year, the Bulldogs have the top-rated defense in the nation.

The Bulldogs have surrendered an average of only 216.7 total yards, 60.5 on the ground. Opponents have scored only 12 touchdowns against Mississippi State.

"They play smart and with a lot of energy," Mississippi coach David Cutcliffe said. "They are the No. 1 defense in the nation and it will be a great challenge for us."

The No. 23 Rebels are averaging 377.2 yards, fourth in the Southeastern Conference. Deuce McAllister and Joe Gunn have combined for 161.6 rushing yards per game. In addition, McAllister is averaging 164.6 all-purpose yards.

"We'll take what their defense gives and try to make some plays," Cutcliffe said. "We will try to be a balanced team. It will be a great challenge to run or throw on their defense."

Both Mississippi State and Mississippi are trying to bounce back after losses, with the Bulldogs trying to shake off a two-game slide that came after eight straight victories.

Sluder is not totally against the Rebels. The 22-year-old player is engaged to Jennifer Summerlin, a 20-year-old Ole Miss student from Memphis. The couple is to be married in March.

"Jennifer said she's going to root for me Thursday," Sluder said.

This is the 12th time the "Egg Bowl" will be played on Thanksgiving.

These teams have been playing since 1901 and this is the 96th meeting. The Golden Egg has been awarded to the winner every year since 1927 with the exception of 1943, when Mississippi State banned football because of World War II. The Rebels have a 54-35-6 lead in the all-time series and are 49-18-4 with the Golden Egg on the line.

MISSISSIPPI Season schedule and results	MISSISSIPPI STATE Season schedule and results
Sep. 4 @Memphis W 3-0 Sep. 11 Arkansas State W 38-14 Sep. 18 Vanderbilt L 34-37 Sep. 25 @Auburn W 24-17 Oct. 2 @South Carolina W 36-10 Oct. 9 Tulane W 20-13 Oct. 16 Alabama L 24-30 Oct. 30 @LSU W 42-23 Nov. 6 Arkansas W 38-16 Nov. 20 Georgia L 17-20 Nov. 25 @Mississippi State 8:00pm ET	Sep. 4 Middle Tennessee State W 40-7 Sep. 11 Memphis W 13-10 Sep. 18 Oklahoma State W 29-11 Sep. 25 South Carolina W 17-0 Oct. 2 @Vanderbilt W 42-14 Oct. 9 @Auburn W 18-16 Oct. 23 LSU W 17-16 Nov. 4 Kentucky W 23-22 Nov. 13 @Alabama L 7-19 Nov. 20 @Arkansas L 9-14 Nov. 25 Mississippi 8:00pm ET