- Matchup: Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Betting Line: Bulldogs favored by 4.0 points
- Total Points (Over/Under): 56.5
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The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-4) are gearing up to face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-7) at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, January 2, 2026, in the prestigious Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Wake Forest enters this clash as 4.0-point underdogs, with a game total set at 56.5.
With a current record of 8-4, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons come into this contest after a recent defeat against the Duke Blue Devils, ending with a score of 49-32. During that game, Wake Forest managed 32 rushing attempts for a total of 126 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. Ultimately, they executed 75 plays, accumulating 468 total yards. Defensively, they allowed 24 completions on 35 attempts, yielding 268 passing yards with a completion rate of 68.6%. Their defense held rushing opponents to 110 yards on 39 attempts, averaging 2.8 yards per carry.
This season, the Demon Deacons have secured 4,669 total yards. In terms of scoring, they have tallied 16 touchdowns through the air and 22 on the ground, while turning the ball over 20 times. They achieved 224 first downs throughout the season, alongside 88 penalties amounting to 827 yards. Averaging 156.8 rushing yards per game, they sit at 71st in Division 1. Points scored per game stands at 26.8 for the Wake Forest team.
Defensively, the Demon Deacons have allowed a total of 2,396 passing yards, ranking 31st nationally. Their opponents average 199.7 passing yards per game, with a completion percentage of 59.2%. Overall, they are giving up an average of 321.9 total yards per game, placing them 26th in Division I. They have conceded 11 passing touchdowns and 17 rushing touchdowns, allowing 3.5 yards per carry and 122.3 rushing yards per game, accumulating 1,468 rushing yards over the span of the season. The Demon Deacons find themselves ranked 39th in the nation in team defense, allowing 21.5 points per game.
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The Bulldogs enter the matchup with a 5-7 record this season. In their previous game, they suffered a 38-19 loss to the Ole Miss Rebels. Mississippi State averaged 6.1 yards per rush, accumulating 262 yards on 43 carries. They finished with 440 total yards on 74 plays, averaging 5.9 yards per play. The Bulldogs’ pass defense struggled, allowing 67.6% completion on 23 of 34 attempts, resulting in 359 passing yards. They also allowed 186 rushing yards on 41 attempts, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
When it comes to scoring, the Bulldogs rank 44th in Division 1, averaging 30.5 points per game. Their offensive output sits at an average of 398.4 yards per game, placing them 58th in the nation. Mississippi State’s offense has committed 740 yards worth of penalties on 88 infractions, ranking 26th in Division I. They have thrown 10 interceptions and suffered 6 fumble recoveries while making 265 first downs. Throughout the season, they have accumulated 2,842 passing yards, averaging 236.8 passing yards per game, which ranks 59th in the country. The team averages 161.7 rushing yards per game, totaling 1,940 rushing yards for the year.
The Bulldogs have given up 2,274 rushing yards (189.5 yards per game) and 17 touchdowns on the ground this season. Additionally, they have allowed 22 touchdowns via the pass, yielding an average of 216.3 passing yards per game, ranking them 61st nationally. Over the course of the season, they have surrendered a total of 350 points. The Bulldogs have recorded 5 fumbles and 12 interceptions this year. Their defense has been on the field for 826 plays, which puts them at 82nd nationally. Currently, Mississippi State is allowing 29.2 points per game, ranking 97th in the nation.
Who will claim victory in the college football faceoff between the Demon Deacons and Bulldogs?
Recommendation: Consider the Demon Deacons +4.0
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