One of the final non-college football playoff games of the 2025 season will take place Friday night in Charlotte when Mississippi faces Wake Forest in the Duke of Mayo's cup. There will be four bowl games (Mayo, Armed Forces, Liberty and Holiday) on January 2nd to conclude the bowling season.
Despite a 5–7 regular season record, Mississippi State received an invitation to a bowl game due to its high Academic Progress Rate (APR). With other teams opting out of bowl games, this opened the door for the Bulldogs to play an extra game despite falling short of the six-win mark typically required to qualify for a bowl.
The Bulldogs have lost their last three SEC games with their only win against a conference opponent. Arkansas earlier this year.
In the first year of the Jake Dickert era, Wake Forest went 8-4. The Demon Deacons fell 6-2 after starting 2-2 with the loss. Georgia Tech And North Carolina State. With the win, Wake Forest could reach the nine-win mark for the first time since 2021.
Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest: What you need to know ahead of Duke's Mayo Bowl
The second year of the Jeff Lebby era could end in style: In his first year at Mississippi State, Lebby led his team to a 2-10 record. The Bulldogs opened the 2024 campaign with a win over Eastern Kentucky but lost 10 of their last 11 games and finished with just two wins. Mississippi State also lost to SEC opponents (0-8). This season was a clear sign of growth despite the record. Mississippi State wins in dramatic fashion Arizona earlier this year and beat Arkansas for Lebby's first SEC win at the school. A win over Wake Forest could provide some positive momentum heading into 2026.
Dickert got Wake Forest back on track: After four straight winning seasons, Wake Forest is back on track this season, doubling its win total. After former coach Dave Clawson resigned at the end of last season, the program hired Dickert from his position at Washington state. The results of his first year in office were extremely positive. The program is on the verge of finishing with nine wins for just the third time since 2007.
Another look at Mississippi Camario Taylor: Taylor, a four-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, made his first career start in the Egg Bowl against Ole Miss. Taylor finished that game 15 of 31 for 178 yards and ran 20 times for 173 yards and two touchdowns. The bowl game will be another huge opportunity for him to show why he can be a future quarterback for Team Lebby.
Where to watch Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest live
Date: Friday, January 2 | Time: 20:00 ET
Location: Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, North Carolina.
TV: ESPN | Broadcast: Fubo (Try for free)
Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest Tips and Tips
Mississippi State may have found its long-term answer in cornerback Taylor. This bowl game will be another opportunity for him to showcase his dynamic abilities as a dual threat. While Wake Forest is on the verge of reaching the nine-win mark for the third time since 2007, I expect Mississippi State to get there. The Bulldogs win by a touchdown to end the bowl season. Pick: Mississippi State -3.5.
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