UPDATE: The much-anticipated Duke’s Mayo Bowl featuring Wake Forest and Mississippi State is set for January 2, 2026, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. As both teams prepare for this critical matchup, the stakes couldn’t be higher with a chance to end the season on a high note.
Wake Forest enters the bowl with high expectations but faces significant challenges. The team will be missing standout players, including defensive tackle Mateen Ibirogba who has entered the transfer portal, and running back Demond Claiborne, who was pivotal in scoring 10 touchdowns this season. This absence raises concerns about the Deacons’ ability to generate offense. Their ranking of 91st in EPA and 117th in success rate highlights ongoing struggles, particularly against a Mississippi State team that, despite a 5-7 record, has shown it can compete.
On the other side, Mississippi State is looking to prove its worth after a season filled with narrow losses, including close calls against Tennessee, Texas, and Florida. The Bulldogs have a surprisingly efficient offense, ranking 54th in success rate and 24th in points per quality drive. Quarterback Clifford is coming off a breakout game where he threw for 178 yards and rushed for 173 yards against Mississippi, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities and solidifying his role as a key player in this bowl game.
The implications of this matchup are significant. With Wake Forest’s offense struggling and missing key players, Mississippi State is favored to cover the spread and potentially secure a victory, which would mark a significant turnaround for the Bulldogs.
Experts are closely watching this game, as Mississippi State’s 8-4 record against the spread indicates it has been undervalued throughout the season. Fans eagerly await the outcome of this contest to see if the Bulldogs can capitalize on Wake Forest’s vulnerabilities.
As kickoff approaches, the excitement builds. Will Wake Forest overcome its offensive woes, or will Mississippi State capitalize on its opportunity to finish the season strong? Stay tuned for the latest updates on this thrilling college football showdown.
