Duke’s Mayo Bowl Preview: Mississippi State Looks to Cap Off a Tumultuous Season with a Statement Win Over Wake Forest
As bowl season winds down, one of the final non-College Football Playoff matchups on the slate brings us to Charlotte, where Mississippi State and Wake Forest are set to square off in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. While it may not carry the weight of a New Year’s Six game, this one has no shortage of storylines-especially for two programs navigating very different chapters of their respective rebuilds.
Mississippi State: A Season of Struggles, But Signs of Life
Let’s start with Mississippi State. The Bulldogs enter this bowl game with a 5-7 record-yes, under the usual rules, that wouldn't cut it for bowl eligibility.
But thanks to a strong Academic Progress Rate (APR) and a wave of teams opting out, Mississippi State got the nod. And they’re not just showing up to collect a participation trophy.
This season was Year 2 under head coach Jeff Lebby, and while the record won’t turn heads, the growth is real. Last year, the Bulldogs limped to a 2-10 finish and went winless in SEC play.
This season, they doubled their win total and even notched a conference victory over Arkansas. It wasn’t pretty-losing the last three SEC games certainly stung-but the team showed flashes that suggest the rebuild is starting to take root.
One of the biggest reasons for optimism? Freshman quarterback Kamario Taylor.
Kamario Taylor: The Future at QB?
Taylor, a four-star recruit from the 2025 class, made his first career start in the Egg Bowl against Ole Miss-and he made it count. The numbers don’t lie: 15-of-31 passing for 178 yards, plus 173 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. That’s not just a solid debut-that’s the kind of performance that makes you sit up and ask, “Is this the guy?”
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl offers Taylor another opportunity to prove he can be the long-term answer under center for Lebby’s offense. His dual-threat ability adds a dynamic element that Mississippi State has been missing. If he can put together another strong outing, it could give the Bulldogs serious momentum heading into 2026.
Wake Forest: A Resurgent Season Under Jake Dickert
On the other sideline, Wake Forest is riding high after a strong first season under new head coach Jake Dickert. The Demon Deacons finished 8-4, a major step forward after back-to-back four-win seasons. They hit a rough patch early with losses to Georgia Tech and NC State, but closed strong-going 6-2 down the stretch.
This turnaround comes after longtime head coach Dave Clawson stepped down last year. Wake Forest moved quickly to bring in Dickert from Washington State, and the early returns have been impressive. A win in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl would give Wake Forest its first nine-win season since 2021, and just the third since 2007.
The Deacs have found their rhythm again, and this game offers a chance to solidify that progress.
What to Watch
This game will likely come down to whether Mississippi State’s young quarterback can keep pace with a more experienced and balanced Wake Forest team. Taylor’s legs are a weapon, but Wake Forest has had time to study the tape from the Egg Bowl. Expect them to key in on containing him outside the pocket.
On the flip side, Wake Forest brings a more stable offensive identity and a defense that’s been opportunistic. If the Demon Deacons can force Taylor into tough third-down situations and keep him from breaking big runs, they’ll be in a strong position to control the tempo.
But don’t count Mississippi State out. This team has something to prove. They weren’t supposed to be here, and now they’ve got a shot to close the season with a win and turn a challenging year into a springboard for the future.
The Bottom Line
Wake Forest is hunting for a milestone win in Year 1 under Dickert. Mississippi State is trying to build a foundation for Year 3 under Lebby.
Both teams have motivation. But the X-factor might just be Kamario Taylor.
If he plays like he did in the Egg Bowl, the Bulldogs could end their season on a high note.
This one has all the ingredients for a compelling finish to bowl season-young stars, program momentum, and a little bit of mayo on the line.