Ole Miss (9-3) vs Duke (9-3)
Game Info: Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 7:30 pm (EverBank Stadium)
Betting Odds: Ole Miss -17 / Duke +17 --- Over/Under: 51.5
The Duke vs Ole Miss Game Preview!
In this article, we're diving into a detailed prediction for the big College Football showdown between Duke and Ole Miss on Thursday, January 2nd, at Jacksonville's EverBank Stadium. Known as the Gator Bowl, this game is a big deal where teams look to end the season on a high note. Duke and Ole Miss have both had their ups and downs this season, and this game is their chance to shine on a national stage. We'll look at the key factors that could influence our prediction, like team performance, player stats, and crucial matchups that might decide the outcome of this exciting game.
Matchup/League Facts
Ole Miss ranks 2nd among FBS teams for Q1 points per game this season (11.1).
Ole Miss ranks 2nd among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game this season (5.0).
Duke ranks 126th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (96.5).
Duke ranks T121st among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (38.5).
The Duke Blue Devils Team Preview!
The Duke Blue Devils are 9-3 (5-3) this season after they defeated Wake Forest by a score of 23-17 in their last game. Duke trailed 17-3 at halftime, but they scored the last 20 points and won on a last second touchdown. The Blue Devils out gained Wake Forest by a total of 333-318, lost the turnover battle 2-1, and went 5-13 on third down in the game. Maalik Murphy threw for 235 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Jordan Moore caught five passes for 98 yards and one score.
Duke's racked up wins against Elon, Northwestern, UConn, Middle Tennessee, UNC, Florida State, NC State, and Virginia Tech. They've taken losses to Georgia Tech, SMU, and Miami. On average, the Duke offense is putting up 28.3 points a game, with 245.0 passing yards and 96.5 rushing yards. Meanwhile, their defense is giving up 22.2 points per game this season. With Maalik Murphy transferring, Henry Belin IV will be stepping in as the starting quarterback. Plus, Star Thomas, Duke's top rusher, probably won't be playing either.
The Ole Miss Rebels Team Preview!
The Ole Miss Rebels are 9-3 (5-3) this year after they defeated Mississippi State by a score of 26-14 in their last game. Ole Miss trailed 14-10 after the first quarter, but scored the last 16 points in the game for the win. The Rebels out gained Mississippi State by a total of 397-330, won the turnover battle 3-0, and went 8-18 on third down in the game. Jaxson Dart threw for 143 yards and one touchdown, while Ulysses Bentley IV rushed for 136 yards and one score.
Ole Miss has racked up wins against Furman, Middle Tennessee, Wake Forest, Georgia Southern, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Georgia, but they've fallen to Kentucky, LSU, and Florida. Their offense is pretty strong, putting up 37.5 points a game with 343.6 passing yards and 177.8 rushing yards on average. On the flip side, their defense is giving up just 13.9 points per game this season. Jaxson Dart is having a solid year, completing 68.6% of his passes for 3,875 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six picks, plus he's run for 452 yards and three touchdowns.
The Duke vs Ole Miss Game Prediction!
The Pick: Ole Miss -16.5 -115
Duke's heading into this game after a solid regular season, but they're missing their starting quarterback and running back. The Blue Devils had a pretty easy schedule and didn't beat any ranked teams this year. Ole Miss has some players sitting out too, but Dart is expected to play. Lane Kiffin has openly said he thinks they should've been in the CFP, so I bet he's going to try to score a lot and show up this Duke team that's done better than expected. Go with Ole Miss for a big win here.
Why Ole Miss will beat Duke
Ole Miss has won 13 of its last 14 games against non-conference opponents.
Duke has lost each of its last six games against AP-ranked teams.
Ole Miss has covered the spread in each of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
Comments