Are the Mississippi State Bulldogs on upset alert when they take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in Friday nights’ Duke’s Mayo Bowl? Or will the Bulldogs handle business as a slight favorite in this Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State clash at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN?
Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State Game Information
- 📅 Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
- 🕠 Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET on ESPN
- 📍 Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | ML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest | +3 | 53 | +136 |
| Mississippi State | -3 | 53 | -150 |
Who Is The Public Betting
| Team | % of Bets | Open | Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest | 40% | +2.5 | +3 |
| Mississippi State | 60% | -2.5 | -3 |
Numbers update frequently — check the latest splits on our college football public betting chart before placing any bets.
🏈 Team Overviews
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8–4)
Wake Forest enjoyed a solid 2025, emerging with multiple signature wins and a stout defense that carried them through close games. The Demon Deacons are aiming for just their fourth nine-win season in school history with a Mayo Bowl victory.
Offense:
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QB Robby Ashford has been Wake’s offensive engine, throwing for over 2,169 yards with 9 TDs and 7 INTs, while adding a threat on the ground with ~500 rush yards and 7 rushing TDs.
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RB Demond Claiborne paced the ground game with a 907-yard, 10-TD season, though his status for this bowl is uncertain with draft declarations.
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WRs Chris Barnes and Carlos Hernandez have each eclipsed 500 receiving yards, giving Ashford multiple reliable targets.
Defense:
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Wake Forest’s defense ranked among the best in the ACC in points allowed and has been especially tough on the ground.
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DL Langston Hardy has been a disruptive force with double-digit tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks this season.
Mississippi State Bulldogs (5–7)
Mississippi State surprised many by earning a Duke’s Mayo Bowl berth despite a sub-.500 record, taking advantage of Academic Progress Rate eligibility after several teams opted out. The Bulldogs’ season featured competitive performances in a tough SEC slate.
Offense:
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QB Blake Shapen led the offense with 2,436 passing yards, 15 TDs, and 8 INTs, completing over 64% of his attempts.
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RB Davon Booth (552 rush yards, 7 TDs) and WR Brenen Thompson (948 receiving yards, 6 TDs) were key contributors in moving the chains and scoring.
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Freshman QB Kamario Taylor adds a dynamic element with his dual-threat ability, giving the Bulldogs flexibility under center.
Defense:
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Mississippi State’s defense has been inconsistent, particularly against the run — a vulnerability Wake Forest may emphasize.
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Standouts like DB Jahron Manning and LB Nic Mitchell led the unit in tackles and playmaking.
📈 Series & Bowl History
Wake Forest and Mississippi State have met only once before — in the 2011 Music City Bowl, a 23–17 Bulldogs win — making this only the second meeting in program history.
🧠 Key Storylines
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Wake Forest’s climb under Jake Dickert sees the Deacons back in Charlotte for another bowl, aiming to translate an 8-win regular season into bowl success.
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Mississippi State’s narrative of resilience — a 5-7 squad competing with an SEC schedule — brings a scrappy, battle-tested Bulldogs team ready to upset the expectations.
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Offensive vs. defensive contrast: Wake Forest’s defensive prowess vs. Mississippi State’s balanced offense could dictate possessions and momentum.
🏆 Prediction Snapshot
This Duke’s Mayo Bowl leans toward a defensive chess match punctuated by key offensive moments. Mississippi State’s offensive weapons and ground game — combined with Wake Forest adjusting without some key offensive contributors — could give the Bulldogs the edge. However, Wake’s defense and Ashford’s playmaking keep the Deacons within striking distance. Mississippi State 23, Wake Forest 22.
📌 Best Bet: Wake Forest Demon Deacons +3
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