Mississippi State (5-7) takes on Wake Forest (8-4) in the Duke's Mayo Bowl in Charlotte Friday night. Let's look at the final odds and score prediction for the game...
Mayo Bowl odds: point spread, moneyline, and total for Mississippi State vs Wake Forest
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook as of January 2. Odds are subject to change.
Point Spread
- Mississippi State -2.5 (-114)
- Wake Forest +2.5 (-106)
Moneyline
- Mississippi State -138
- Wake Forest +118
Total
- 53.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Mayo Bowl score prediction: Will it be the Bulldogs or Demon Deacons in Charlotte?
One of the final non-playoff bowl games of the 2025-2026 bowl season looks prime to deliver a competitive matchup. This year's Mayo Bowl looks to be a classic clash of styles.
The Bulldogs are led by a big-play offense featuring exciting play-makers in bruising RB Fluff Bothwell and speedy WRs Brenen Thompson and Anthony Evans III. The Mississippi State offense, which averages better than 30 PPG, could be even more explosive in this matchup with electrifying true freshman QB KaMario Taylor leading the way. In Taylor's first career start against Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl, he totaled 351 yards of offense.
Defense has been less exciting for State, as they've allowed nearly 406 yards per game to opponents, including 189.5 rushing yards per game allowed. That defense will be short-handed Friday night with star safety Isaac Smith out due to offseason surgery.
Wake Forest, on the other hand, leans on their defense. The Deacs' allow just 21.5 points and 322 yards per game, and they rank in the Top 10 nationally in tackles for loss per game. DE Langston Hardy has accounted for 17.0 TFLs with LB Dylan Hazen also providing plenty of disruption up front. Safety Nic Anderson plays all over the field with a team-leading 94 tackles.
Offense is where the Demon Deacons have been more inconsistent, and they'll be without their best overall player. RB Demond Claiborne (907 yards, 10 TDs) has opted out in preparation for the NFL Draft. Dual-threat QB Robby Ashford will need to carry a heavier load to attack a struggling State defense.
Can the Bulldog offense hit explosive plays against a salty Wake Forest defense? Can the Demon Deacon offense exploit Mississippi State's rush defense without its top weapon? Wake Forest has managed to limit some good offenses this season, but State's big-play potential could give the Bulldogs just enough firepower against an aggressive defense. And despite MSU's overall defensive struggles, it could be tough for the Deacs' to consistently move the ball with Claiborne out.
Mississippi State wins 26-23