The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (9-4) took on the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-8) in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Wake Forest led Mississippi State 15-9 at halftime. The Demon Deacons scored 28 points, while the Bulldogs scored 20 points. Wake Forest defeated Mississippi State 43-29 for their straight bowl win.
Wake Forest had 451 yards on offense (303 yards passing, 148 yards rushing), 23 first downs, and the team was penalized nine times for 76 yards. Quarterback Robby Ashford completed 20 of 33 passes (60%) for 303 yards, three touchdowns, one interception, 14 carries for 50 yards, and two rushing touchdowns.
Running back Ty Clark III had 17 carries for 91 yards, three catches for 73 yards, and one touchdown. Tight end Jack Foley made one catch for 64 yards and one touchdown, while Kamrean Johnson made two catches for 24 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Connor Calvert made 3 of 4 extra points. The defense made 75 catches for 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, and one pass breakup. Koredell Bartley had two kick returns for 137 yards and one touchdown.
Mississippi State’s offense had 408 yards (294 yards passing, 114 yards rushing), 20 first downs, and the team was penalized seven times for 60 yards. Quarterback Kamario Taylor completed 13 of 22 passes (59%) for 241 yards, one touchdown, 18 carries for 63 yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Running back Fluff Bothwell had 14 carries for 38 yards. Wide receiver Brenen Thompson made four catches for 106 yards, while Sanfrisco Magee made two catches for 47 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Kyle Ferrie made 4 of 4 field goals (100%) with a long of 50 yards, and made one extra point. The defense made 62 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and one pass breakup.
