Can Mississippi State upset Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl?

Mississippi State, despite a 5-7 record, has a chance to upset Wake Forest, especially with key players missing from Wake Forest's roster due to the transfer portal.

What is the history between Mississippi State and Wake Forest?

Mississippi State and Wake Forest have played only once before, with Mississippi State winning the 2012 Music City Bowl.

Who is coaching Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl?

Jake Dickert is the first-year head coach for Wake Forest, leading them into the Duke's Mayo Bowl.

Home / Sports / Upset Alert? Mississippi State Eyes Bowl Win Over Wake Forest

Upset Alert? Mississippi State Eyes Bowl Win Over Wake Forest

3 Jan

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Summary

Mississippi State faces Wake Forest in the 2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl despite a 5-7 season.
Wake Forest lost their rival game to Duke 49-32 at the end of the season.
Mississippi State's transfer portal departures are not starters, unlike Wake Forest's.

Upset Alert? Mississippi State Eyes Bowl Win Over Wake Forest

Mississippi State is set to compete in the 2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl against Wake Forest, a game they are considered fortunate to have reached given their 5-7 season record. The Bulldogs face a Wake Forest team that finished with a more impressive 8-4 record but ended their season with a significant 49-32 defeat to rival Duke.

Wake Forest, coached by first-year head coach Jake Dickert, may see the game as a home advantage. However, Dickert has confirmed that players entering the transfer portal, including key names like Mateen Idirogba, will not participate. This decision impacts the Demon Deacons' roster significantly heading into the bowl game.

Conversely, Mississippi State does not face the same issue, as none of their departing players are considered starters. This could provide second-year coach Jeff Lebby an opportunity to secure a victory and extend the Bulldogs' undefeated streak against Wake Forest from their only prior meeting in the 2012 Music City Bowl.