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Duke vs. Ole Miss: Predictions, Odds, and How to Watch Gator Bowl

The college football bowl season is in full swing, and one of the most anticipated matchups is the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, where the Duke Blue Devils will clash with the Ole Miss Rebels. This exciting showdown will take place at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, promising a thrilling game for fans of both teams. With both teams coming off impressive 9-3 seasons, the Gator Bowl is set to be a battle of high-powered offenses and strategic coaching.

Duke Blue Devils: A Season of Transformation

Under the leadership of first-year head coach Manny Diaz, the Duke Blue Devils have undergone a remarkable transformation. Diaz took over a team that struggled in previous seasons and turned them into a formidable force in college football. Duke’s 9-3 record reflects significant progress, and the team is eager to cap off the season with a statement win in the Gator Bowl.

A key factor in Duke’s success this year has been the stellar performance of transfer quarterback Maalik Murphy. Murphy has been instrumental in the team’s offensive resurgence, completing 60.3% of his passes for 2,933 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. His ability to make plays under pressure and connect with his talented receiving corps has made Duke a tough opponent for any defense.

Defensively, Duke has been solid, with a focus on creating turnovers and limiting big plays. The Blue Devils’ defense will need to be at its best to contain Ole Miss’s explosive offense, led by senior quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Ole Miss Rebels: A Team with Something to Prove

The Ole Miss Rebels, coached by Lane Kiffin, enter the Gator Bowl with a chip on their shoulder. Despite finishing the season with a 9-3 record, the Rebels missed out on a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth, a fact that has fueled their determination to prove their worth in this bowl game.

Jaxson Dart has been the heart and soul of the Rebels’ offense. The senior quarterback has had an outstanding season, completing 68.6% of his passes for 3,875 yards and 25 touchdowns. Dart’s versatility is evident in his rushing stats as well, with 452 yards and three rushing touchdowns to his name. His dual-threat capability makes him a constant danger to opposing defenses.

The Rebels’ three losses this season each came by a single touchdown, underscoring how close they were to an even more successful campaign. Kiffin’s squad is known for its fast-paced offense and aggressive play-calling, and they will look to leverage these strengths against Duke.

Predictions: Experts Weigh In

As fans eagerly await kickoff, experts have weighed in with their predictions for the game. Here’s what they had to say:

USA TODAY:

The consensus among USA TODAY’s panel of experts is that Ole Miss will emerge victorious. All six panelists—Scooby Axson, Jordan Mendoza, Paul Myerberg, Erick Smith, Eddie Timanus, and Dan Wolken—picked the Rebels to win, citing their offensive firepower and overall depth.

ESPN:

In contrast to USA TODAY, ESPN predicts a narrow victory for Duke, with a final score of 33-31. Adam Rittenberg believes that Duke’s excitement about the matchup, coupled with potential opt-outs and transfer portal entries affecting Ole Miss, could tilt the game in the Blue Devils’ favor. Rittenberg highlights Maalik Murphy’s talent and Duke’s strong receiving corps as key reasons for his prediction.

Bleacher Nation:

Bleacher Nation also favors Ole Miss, noting the Rebels’ offensive prowess and depth. Their analysis suggests that Ole Miss’s experience and Lane Kiffin’s strategic mind will give them the edge in this high-stakes contest.

Odds and Lines: Betting Insights

According to BetMGM’s college football odds as of Wednesday, January 1, Ole Miss is the clear favorite:

Spread: Ole Miss (-17.5)

Moneylines: Ole Miss (-800); Duke (+550)

Over/Under: 51.5 points

These odds reflect the widespread belief that Ole Miss’s offensive capabilities and overall talent will be too much for Duke to handle. However, with Duke’s strong defense and Maalik Murphy’s playmaking ability, the Blue Devils could defy expectations and keep the game closer than the spread suggests.

Key Players to Watch

Duke:

Maalik Murphy (QB): The transfer quarterback has been a revelation for Duke, and his performance will be crucial if the Blue Devils are to pull off an upset.

Jalon Calhoun (WR): Calhoun is Murphy’s go-to target and will need to have a big game against a tough Ole Miss secondary.

Dewayne Carter (DL): Carter anchors Duke’s defensive line and will be tasked with disrupting Jaxson Dart and the Rebels’ potent offense.

Ole Miss:

Jaxson Dart (QB): Dart’s ability to both pass and run makes him a nightmare for defenses. He will be the focal point of Ole Miss’s offense.

Quinshon Judkins (RB): Judkins is a dynamic running back who can change the game with his speed and vision.

Otis Reese (DB): Reese leads the Rebels’ secondary and will play a key role in limiting Duke’s passing attack.

How to Watch the Gator Bowl

If you’re planning to catch the action live, here are the key details:

Streaming: Fubo

Location: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

Final Thoughts

The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams. With both Duke and Ole Miss boasting 9-3 records and high-powered offenses, fans can expect a competitive game filled with big plays and dramatic moments.

While Ole Miss enters the game as the favorite, Duke’s improved form under Manny Diaz and the playmaking ability of Maalik Murphy could make for a closer contest than many expect. Regardless of the outcome, the Gator Bowl is set to be a memorable chapter in this year’s college football bowl season.

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t miss the action on January 2 as Duke and Ole Miss battle it out at EverBank Stadium!

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