The college football bowl season continues with the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, where the Duke Blue Devils face off against the Ole Miss Rebels at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida.
Under the guidance of first-year head coach Manny Diaz, the Blue Devils have made significant strides, culminating in a 9-3 season. A key contributor to their success is transfer quarterback Maalik Murphy, who completed 60.3% of his passes, throwing for 2,933 yards, 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season.
Lane Kiffin’s Rebels (9-3) are entering the bowl game with firm determination to prove themselves. Although they missed out on a College Football Playoff berth, they battled hard in every game, with their three losses each coming by a single touchdown. Senior quarterback Jaxson Dart is an offensive powerhouse with a completion rate of 68.6%, 3,875 passing yards, and 25 touchdowns. His 452 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns further showcase his versatility.
Here is everything to know about the Gator Bowl:
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Gator Bowl predictions: Duke vs. Ole Miss
USA TODAY: Ole Miss is the unanimous pick
- Scooby Axson: Ole Miss
- Jordan Mendoza: Ole Miss
- Paul Myerberg: Ole Miss
- Erick Smith: Ole Miss
- Eddie Timanus: Ole Miss
- Dan Wolken: Ole Miss
ESPN: Duke 33, Ole Miss 31
Adam Rittenberg writes: “Manny Diaz’s Blue Devils are much more excited about the matchup than Ole Miss, as coach Lane Kiffin spent a lot of time griping about the CFP selection process and why a Rebels team with some undeniably good wins and three losses to inferior opponents got snubbed. The list of Ole Miss opt-outs and transfer portal entries could blow up before we reach the game, changing the complexion of the game. Duke will be up for this game, it has a talented quarterback in Maalik Murphy and strong receivers and might be facing a shell of the Ole Miss roster. The Blue Devils win a close one.”
Bleacher Nation: Ole Miss
Staff write: “Our prediction for Ole Miss vs. Duke sees the Rebels (-599 on the moneyline) as the pick to win. Based on our analysis of the historical stats for this matchup, we prefer the under at 52.5 points.”
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Gator Bowl odds, lines: Duke vs. Ole Miss
The Ole Miss Rebels are the favorites to defeat the Duke Blue Devils, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of Wednesday, Jan. 1
- Spread: Ole Miss (-17.5)
- Moneylines: Ole Miss (-800); Duke (+550)
- Over/under: 51.5
How to watch Duke vs. Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl
- Date: Thursday, Jan. 2
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
- Where: EverBank Stadium (Jacksonville, FL)
Catch college football bowl games on Fubo
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