Mississippi State's promising freshman quarterback Kamario Taylor aims to solidify his future role against a depleted Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl, where the winning coach faces a unique mayo-drenching tradition.
The Duke's Mayo Bowl pits Mississippi State, led by promising dual-threat freshman quarterback Kamario Taylor, against Wake Forest. Taylor, who impressed in his only college start, seeks to establish himself as the Bulldogs' quarterback of the future. Wake Forest, however, enters the game significantly impacted by key player departures, including star running back Demond Claiborne and top wide receiver Chris Barnes, who entered the NFL draft and transfer portal, respectively. Despite a better regular-season record, Wake Forest is an underdog against Mississippi State, which qualified for the bowl due to its high Academic Progress Rate. The Demon Deacons will rely on running back Ty Clark III and the experience of sixth-year quarterback Robby Ashford to counter Mississippi State's defense. Both coaches are prepared for the game's unique tradition: the winning coach being doused with a 5-gallon bucket of mayonnaise.
