The Duke Blue Devils take on the Ole Miss Rebels in the Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on January 2, 2025. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET. Both teams enter the game with identical 9-3 records, but their paths to this point have been vastly different. Ole Miss was a contender for the College Football Playoff, while Duke has quietly pieced together a strong season under first-year head coach Manny Diaz.
This game marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Ole Miss, ranked No. 14, aims to reach the 10-win milestone for the season. Duke, riding a five-game bowl winning streak, looks to make a statement against a formidable SEC opponent. Both teams have intriguing storylines, from roster changes to standout players looking to shine on a national stage.
Duke Preview – Overcoming Roster Challenges
Duke’s offense has been heavily impacted by player departures, particularly at quarterback and running back. Starter Maalik Murphy set a school record with 26 touchdown passes this season but entered the transfer portal, leaving Henry Belin IV as the starter. Belin has limited experience but has shown flashes of potential. Wide receiver Eli Pancol, with nine touchdown receptions, will be a critical target for the young quarterback.
Defensively, Duke has been impressive, ranking second in the nation in fumble recoveries and averaging 9.2 tackles for loss per game. Cornerback Chandler Rivers has been a standout performer with three interceptions and seven tackles for loss. The defense will need to contain Ole Miss’s potent passing attack led by Jaxson Dart.
Duke enters the Gator Bowl with momentum, having rallied to beat Wake Forest in their season finale. Their ability to create turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses will be key in this matchup.
Ole Miss Preview – Offensive Powerhouse
Ole Miss boasts a high-powered offense led by quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has thrown for 3,875 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. Dart, an NFL prospect, will rely on wide receiver Tre Harris, who has 1,030 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Harris is dealing with injuries but is expected to play a significant role.
The Rebels’ defense has been a strength, ranking second nationally against the run and allowing just 83.5 rushing yards per game. The defensive line, led by standout pass rushers, has consistently applied pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Ole Miss has been particularly effective at limiting big plays.
Despite ending the regular season with some inconsistent performances, Ole Miss remains a dangerous team. The Rebels defeated five bowl-eligible opponents this season and will look to assert SEC dominance over an ACC opponent.
Betting Prediction
Ole Miss is heavily favored, with a spread of -17.5 and a total of 51.5 points. The Rebels’ explosive offense and stout defense give them a clear advantage, but Duke’s defense could make this a closer contest than expected. The Blue Devils’ ability to force turnovers and their history of success in bowl games make them an appealing pick to cover the large spread.
A predicted score of 34-20 in favor of Ole Miss suggests taking Duke +17.5 and leaning toward the over on the total. Expect Ole Miss to win outright, but Duke should keep it competitive.
Pick: Duke +17.5, Over 51.5
