Duke’s Mayo Bowl kicks off with Mississippi State facing major test against Wake Forest tonight in Charlotte

The Duke’s Mayo Bowl kicks off tonight as Mississippi State faces Wake Forest in Charlotte. The Bulldogs (5-7) look to turn around a disappointing season, while the Demon Deacons (8-4) aim to finish strong in their first bowl under new coach Jake Dickert.

Mississippi State Seeking Bowl Win After Disappointing SEC Campaign

Mississippi State earned a bowl bid in a crowded field at 5-7, the worst record of any team participating in bowl season. QB Blake Shapen threw for 2,433 yards and 15 touchdowns this season but struggled particularly in SEC conference play.

The Bulldogs posted a 15-11 all-time record in bowl games, giving them a slight chance to add to the winning tradition. Coach Mike Lemons looks to salvage a difficult year with a victory against a stronger Wake Forest squad.

Mississippi State opted out several key starters, including Shapen, with the team later announcing Luke Kromenhoek would lead the offense in the bowl game. The decision adds uncertainty to the Bulldogs’ chances against a prepared Demon Deacons defense.

Wake Forest Aims to Impress Under Jake Dickert in First Bowl

Wake Forest enters with a far superior 8-4 record and a 4-4 ACC conference mark, finishing tied for seventh in the conference. The Demon Deacons are coming off a loss to Duke but carry an 11-6 all-time bowl record into tonight’s matchup.

First-year coach Jake Dickert makes his debut in a bowl game with Wake Forest, tasked with beating a team from a Power Five conference. Key defenders like Demond Claiborne and Nick Andersen will anchor the defense against Mississippi State’s offense.

As one of the smallest Division I programs competing at the Power Five level, Wake Forest represents an underdog story with a chance to prove itself against Mississippi State on a neutral field in Charlotte.

Key Matchups to Watch Tonight

Category	Mississippi State	Wake Forest
Overall Record	5-7 (1-7 SEC)	8-4 (4-4 ACC)
Starting QB	Luke Kromenhoek (Blake Shapen opted out)	TBA
Key Defensive Player	Opt-outs reduce secondary depth	Demond Claiborne, Nick Andersen
Bowl Record	15-11 all-time	11-6 all-time

Spread and Expectations for Tonight

Oddsmakers have installed Wake Forest as a 3-point underdog despite their superior record this season. The spread reflects Mississippi State’s history in bowl games and the opt-outs plaguing Wake Forest’s preparation, which bettors view as equalizing factors.

Analysts predict a competitive matchup between units, with Wake Forest’s stronger overall season suggesting they should control the game. However, Mississippi State’s experience in critical games could help the Bulldogs remain close throughout the evening.

Many experts believe Wake Forest’s defense will be the deciding factor, as the Demon Deacons’ ability to contain Kromenhoek and pressure the pocket could wear down an already struggling defense.

Can Wake Forest Continue Its Postseason Success with a Victory Over Mississippi State Tonight?

Wake Forest arrives at Bank of America Stadium with momentum from an 11-6 bowl record, the best resume between these two programs heading into tonight. The question centers on whether Jake Dickert‘s offense can execute against Mississippi State’s defense, or if the Bulldogs’ experience in close games allows them to compete.

Mississippi State needs a bowl victory to salvage an otherwise disappointing 5-7 season in a historically difficult SEC conference. If the Bulldogs can avoid forcing the ball and lean on their ground game, they have a path to victory despite losing several opt-outs to the NFL.

Kickoff arrives at 8:00 PM ET with ESPN providing live coverage nationally and on the ESPN app, where fans can stream the Duke’s Mayo Bowl free with a Fubo subscription trial. Tonight’s winner takes home the trophy and bragging rights in a bowl game that carries real significance for both programs heading into the offseason.

Sources

• ESPN – Game preview and team statistics
• CBS Sports – Prediction and odds analysis
• NCAA – Official bowl game schedule and kickoff times