UPDATE: The highly anticipated Duke’s Mayo Bowl kicks off tonight, January 2, 2026, as the Mississippi State Bulldogs take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. This matchup serves as the final game of the non-playoff bowl slate and promises to deliver excitement as both teams vie for a decisive victory.
The stakes are high for both teams. The Bulldogs, entering with a 5-7 record, are eager to prove themselves after a season filled with near misses, including close overtime losses to Tennessee and Texas. Their offense has been surprisingly effective, ranking 54th in success rate and 24th in points per quality drive. Mississippi State’s quarterback is set to start following a standout performance against Mississippi, where he threw for 178 yards and rushed for 173 yards with two touchdowns.
In contrast, Wake Forest faces significant challenges. The Demon Deacons will be without key players, including their standout running back Demond Claiborne, who scored 10 touchdowns this season. This loss compounds the struggles of an offense that ranked just 91st in EPA and 117th in success rate, making consistent scoring a daunting task.
Strong defensive performance has been Wake Forest’s saving grace, as they ranked 21st in EPA during the regular season. However, the loss of defensive tackle Mateen Ibirogba, who has entered the transfer portal, raises concerns about their ability to hold off Mississippi State’s offensive attack.
Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Mississippi State can cover the spread, especially given their 8-4 record against the spread this season. Analysts suggest that with Wake Forest’s offensive woes, the Bulldogs are likely to emerge victorious tonight.
As the final whistle approaches, all eyes will be on this bowl game, with implications for both teams’ future seasons. The action starts at 7:00 PM EST, making this a must-watch for college football fans.
Stay tuned for live updates and expert analysis as we witness the conclusion of this thrilling matchup.
