Duke (9-3-0) at Mississippi (9-3-0)
- When: Jan 2 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
- Where to watch: ESPN
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Duke @ Mississippi (#14)
Moneyline
Duke +525
Mississippi (#14) -800
Duke @ Mississippi (#14)
Point Spread
Duke 17.0 (-110)
Mississippi (#14) -17.0 (-110)
Duke @ Mississippi (#14)
Total
Over 50.5 (-110)
Under 50.5 (-110)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Passing Team Leaders:
Duke: Henry Belin IV 7 Yds
Mississippi: Jaxson Dart 3875 Yds
Team Stats
| Duke | Mississippi | |
| 9-3 | Record | 9-3 |
| 4-2 | Away | 3-2 |
| 8-3-1 | ATS | 7-5-0 |
| 5-7-0 | O/U | 2-10-0 |
Game Preview
The Gator Bowl features two teams with vastly different paths to this postseason showdown. No. 14 Ole Miss (9-3) enters as heavy favorites, while Duke (9-3) looks to make a statement amidst roster challenges and underdog status. Let’s break down the matchup and find the best angles for bettors.
Ole Miss: High-Powered and Motivated
Ole Miss was once in the College Football Playoff conversation, and while those dreams fell short, the Rebels are determined to finish strong. A 10-win season remains a significant accomplishment for Lane Kiffin’s squad, and with quarterback Jaxson Dart leading the offense, they’re primed to dominate. Dart has been sensational this year, throwing for 3,875 yards and 25 touchdowns, and he’ll suit up before preparing for the NFL Draft.
Receivers Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins have been key weapons for the Rebels. While Harris is dealing with injuries, Ole Miss has the depth and talent to exploit Duke’s defense. On the ground, the Rebels’ rushing attack complements their explosive aerial game, making them a balanced offensive powerhouse.
Kiffin has also made pointed remarks about proving the SEC’s dominance against other conferences, adding extra motivation for the Rebels to put on a show. Ole Miss has already defeated five bowl-eligible teams this year, including a drubbing of ACC opponent Wake Forest.
Duke: Undermanned but Gritty
For Duke, the storyline revolves around resilience. The Blue Devils are playing with a skeleton crew offensively after losing starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and several key contributors to the transfer portal. Henry Belin IV will step in as the starter at QB, but with limited experience and preparation, he faces a daunting task against Ole Miss’ defense.
On the defensive side, Duke’s standout cornerback Chandler Rivers will need to shine. Rivers, a force in creating turnovers with three interceptions and two forced fumbles, leads a unit ranked second nationally in fumble recoveries. If the Blue Devils hope to keep this game close, Rivers and the defense must generate turnovers and pressure Dart into mistakes.
Despite their challenges, Duke has found ways to win tight games this season, including a dramatic victory at Wake Forest in the regular-season finale. Coach Manny Diaz emphasizes the importance of perseverance and will aim to keep his team competitive in this high-profile matchup.
Key Factors and Betting Predictions
Ole Miss Offense: The Rebels have the firepower to score early and often. Duke’s defense has been scrappy, but they’ll struggle to contain Dart and Ole Miss’ dual-threat attack.
Duke’s Depth Issues: With key players out, the Blue Devils’ offense is unlikely to sustain drives or keep pace with the Rebels. Expect Duke’s offense to rely heavily on Eli Pancol, but limited support around Belin could lead to inefficiency.
Motivation and Momentum: Ole Miss is laser-focused on securing their 10th win and asserting SEC superiority. Duke’s five-game bowl win streak is impressive, but this is their toughest postseason test in years.
Prediction:
The 17-point spread reflects the talent gap, and Ole Miss has the tools to cover it. Duke’s limited offensive capabilities and Ole Miss’ balanced attack will likely lead to a lopsided result. The Rebels should control the tempo, and while Duke’s defense may keep the game from becoming a complete blowout, Ole Miss will pull away decisively.
– Pick Against the Spread: Ole Miss -17
– Total Prediction: The under is appealing at 50.5 points, given Duke’s offensive struggles and the likelihood of Ole Miss controlling the game pace.
Gator Bowl Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Ole Miss 34-13
Expert Pick: Ole Miss -17 & Under 50½
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $364
- Gator Bowl Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
