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A Clash of Underdogs: Wake Forest Takes on Mississippi State in Duke's Mayo Bowl

Charlotte, N.C., USAFriday, January 2, 2026
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In the world of college football, surprises are always exciting. Two teams, Wake Forest and Mississippi State, are set to face off in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Both teams have had a rollercoaster season, with lots of changes and ups and downs. It's not often you see teams like these in a bowl game, but here they are, ready to show what they've got.

Mississippi State's Journey

Mississippi State has been on a bit of a journey. Last season, they had a tough time, winning only two games. But this year, things started to look up. They pulled off some big wins, like beating Arizona State and Arkansas. Even though they ended the season with a 5-7 record, they're feeling good about their progress. It's their first bowl game since 2022, and they're ready to make the most of it.

Wake Forest's Surprise Season

Wake Forest, on the other hand, had a coaching change before the season started. New coach Jake Dickert took over and led the team to an 8-4 record. That's pretty impressive, especially since they weren't expected to do so well. They've got a strong defense and a quarterback who can make plays both on the ground and in the air.

A Clash of Titans

This isn't the first time these two teams have met. Back in 2011, they faced off in the Music City Bowl, and Mississippi State came out on top. But this is a new game, a new season, and both teams are ready to prove themselves. The game is set for January 2nd at 8 p. m. ET in Charlotte, North Carolina. It's going to be a close one, with Mississippi State slightly favored. But in bowl games, anything can happen.

Something to Prove

Both teams have something to prove. Mississippi State wants to show that they're improving and ready for bigger things. Wake Forest wants to show that they're a force to be reckoned with, even with some key players missing. It's going to be an exciting game, and fans are eager to see who comes out on top.

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