Full Breakdown
Wake Forest Triumphs Over Mississippi State in Duke's Mayo Bowl
1/3/2026, 9:14:57 PM
Game Overview: Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State
The 2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl concluded with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs 43-29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This matchup marked a significant moment for both teams, with Wake Forest finishing the season at 9-4 and Mississippi State ending at 5-8. The game featured standout performances, particularly from Wake Forest quarterback Robby Ashford, who threw for 303 yards and five touchdowns.
Key Moments and Scoring Summary
The game began with Mississippi State taking an early lead through a 33-yard field goal by Kyle Ferrie. However, Wake Forest quickly responded when freshman Koredell Bartley returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, giving the Deacons an 8-3 advantage after a successful two-point conversion. Wake Forest extended its lead to 15-6 with a touchdown pass from Ashford to Kamrean Johnson.
As the game progressed, Wake Forest maintained a slight edge, leading 15-9 at halftime. The second half saw Wake Forest build a 30-12 lead, thanks to a 64-yard touchdown pass from Ashford to Jack Foley and a two-yard rushing touchdown by Ashford. Despite trailing, Mississippi State mounted a comeback, with Kamario Taylor scoring a rushing touchdown and later connecting with Sanfrisco Magee for a 42-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the score to 30-27.
In a critical moment, Wake Forest responded with a 10-play, 63-yard drive, culminating in another touchdown by Ashford. Although Mississippi State managed to block the extra point and return it for two points, the Deacons sealed the victory with a 62-yard touchdown pass to Ty Clark III, finalizing the score at 43-29.
Player Highlights
Robby Ashford's performance was pivotal for Wake Forest, earning him the Duke's Mayo Player of the Game award. He completed 20 of 33 passes, threw three touchdown passes, and rushed for two more. Freshman Koredell Bartley not only made a significant impact with his kickoff return but also contributed to the team's overall momentum. For Mississippi State, Kamario Taylor showed promise in his second start, throwing for 241 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for a score before leaving the game due to injury.
Official Statements & Responses
Wake Forest head coach Jake Dickert praised his team's resilience and the contributions of younger players, stating, “The future is bright here.” He emphasized the importance of the victory in capping off a successful season. Conversely, Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby acknowledged the missed opportunities that plagued his team, particularly in the red zone where they settled for field goals instead of touchdowns.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, Wake Forest's performance was not without flaws. The team committed several penalties and struggled offensively at times, particularly in the first half. Mississippi State's defense was criticized for allowing significant yardage and failing to contain Wake Forest's explosive plays, which ultimately led to their defeat.
Conclusion: Implications of the Game
The win for Wake Forest not only marked their first bowl victory since 2022 but also highlighted the potential of their younger players under the new coaching regime of Jake Dickert. The Demon Deacons' success in the Duke's Mayo Bowl adds to the Atlantic Coast Conference's bowl win total, while Mississippi State's season raises questions about their future direction, particularly regarding their offensive strategy and player development.
