Mississippi State is running out of runway, and the Bulldogs know it. If they want to stay in the mix to host an NCAA Regional, they need wins this weekend. Playing Ole Miss only turns up the volume on a series that already matters. That’s the backdrop as No. 18 Mississippi State heads to Oxford for a Thursday‑Saturday rivalry series to close the regular season. The Bulldogs are coming off a big series win against LSU, just the second in program history, and they’ve put themselves squarely in the hosting debate. Ole Miss, meanwhile, just took a series at Auburn and has shown it can make things difficult for anyone at home. Add in the rivalry piece, and the intensity should take care of itself. Where we're ranked in the final week of the regular season #HailState pic.twitter.com/fjlmf8RGxZ — Mississippi State Softball (@HailStateSB) April 28, 2026 Mississippi State has handled in‑state opponents well under Samantha Ricketts, going 31-6 against Mississippi teams.…