College football fans are buzzing with excitement for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl happening on January 2, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. The Duke Blue Devils (9-3) are gearing up to take on the #14 Ole Miss Rebels (9-3) in what should be a thrilling showdown between two teams with different approaches and goals. This will be the first time these squads have faced each other, which definitely adds to the anticipation.
Game Details
Date: January 2, 2025
Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
Current Odds: Ole Miss favored by 17 points with an over/under of 51.5 points.
Duke Blue Devils
Duke is heading into the Gator Bowl after a pretty impressive season under head coach Manny Diaz, wrapping things up with a 9-3 record in the ACC. The Blue Devils are riding high, having clinched three straight wins, capped off by an exciting finish against Wake Forest in their last game. Unfortunately, they’ll be missing their starting quarterback Maalik Murphy, who has decided to enter the transfer portal. Stepping in will be Henry Belin IV, a sophomore who hasn’t played much but has a powerful arm and some solid athletic skills.
Key Players:
Henry Belin IV (QB): Taking on an important role now that Murphy’s gone. He’s had some moments of promise in his limited play this season, and he’ll really need to keep the game under control.
Chandler Rivers (CB): This season, he’s been a defensive star with three picks and a bunch of tackles for loss. His skills in breaking up Ole Miss’s passing game is going to be super important.
Star Thomas (RB): Even though he’s likely out for the game because of an injury, he made a big impact during the season. His absence means the other running backs will really need to rise to the occasion.
Duke’s defense has really stood out this year, sitting at second in the nation for fumble recoveries and tackles for loss per game. They’ve shown a lot of toughness and flexibility when facing different offensive strategies. The Blue Devils’ defensive line is especially tough, with players who can break through backfields and mess up plays before they even get started.
Ole Miss Rebels
The Rebels are heading into this game aiming to wrap up a solid season with head coach Lane Kiffin. They ended up fifth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and just missed out on a College Football Playoff spot after some tough losses to unranked teams like Kentucky and Florida. Still, they bounced back nicely and earned their place in the Gator Bowl thanks to a strong offensive performance all year long.
Key Players:
Jaxson Dart (QB): An NFL hopeful aiming to leave a mark in his last college game. Dart has racked up more than 3,800 passing yards and 25 touchdowns this season, showing impressive calmness when the pressure’s on.
Tre Harris (WR): The top receiver, racking up more than 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns. Harris’s ability to stretch the field is going to be crucial for Ole Miss’s success.
Caden Prieskorn (TE): A dependable option that’s become a key player in the passing game, giving Dart a go-to choice during crucial moments.
Ole Miss has one of the best offenses in the country, thanks to their well-rounded approach that mixes a strong passing game with a solid running game. This season, the Rebels’ offensive line has been impressive, giving Dart plenty of time to make plays and opening up lanes for the running backs.
Considering how both teams are playing right now—Duke has a solid defense while Ole Miss brings a high-powered offense—the odds seem to favor Ole Miss winning. Still, Duke’s recent performance and impressive defensive numbers might make the game tighter than people think.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Ole Miss 33, Duke 17.
This score showcases Ole Miss’s strong offense, but it also recognizes Duke’s ability to rack up points with smart plays and capitalizing on defensive mistakes. The Gator Bowl is shaping up to be an exciting matchup, with both teams eager to wrap up their seasons on a high and build some momentum for next year.