Wake Forest Outlasts Mississippi State as Opt-Outs Shape Duke’s Mayo Bowl Night
If you were tuning into the Duke’s Mayo Bowl expecting a clean, full-strength matchup, the story around Wake Forest versus Mississippi State quickly reminded everyone what modern bowl season looks like. Opt-outs, injuries, and transfer portal decisions were already shaping the night before the ball was even kicked off in Charlotte, and those absences ended up playing a major role in how this game unfolded.
Mississippi State came into the bowl without a long opt-out list, but the most important name missing was quarterback Blake Shapen. It had already been announced earlier in December that Shapen would not take part in the bowl game or the lead-up practices, as his focus had shifted toward preparing for a professional career. That decision left the Bulldogs turning to freshman Kamario Taylor, who had previously started the Egg Bowl and was handed the responsibility of leading the offense on a big stage.
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The Bulldogs were also without running back Davon Booth, who did not travel with the team as he prepares for the NFL after finishing second on the roster in rushing yards and touchdowns. Linebacker Zakari Tillman was sidelined due to injury, while Isaac Smith was not dressed for the game either. Beyond those names, Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby chose not to reveal additional injury details, and no official bowl injury report was released, adding some mystery to who might or might not see the field.
Another layer of uncertainty came from the transfer portal opening on the same day as the game. Lebby had made it clear that players who had announced their intention to transfer would not be available, with the lone exception being backup quarterback Luke Kromenhoek. That left a long list of outgoing Bulldogs watching from the sidelines as the program begins to turn the page toward a rebuild.
On the field, Wake Forest took advantage. Quarterback Robby Ashford delivered a statement performance, throwing for over 300 yards and accounting for five total touchdowns. His night included explosive scoring plays and steady control of the game’s tempo, which eventually earned him MVP honors. A 100-yard kickoff return touchdown added to the momentum early and set the tone for Wake Forest’s confidence.
Mississippi State did fight back behind Kamario Taylor, who showed flashes of promise in just his second collegiate start. He led a second-half surge that briefly pulled the Bulldogs back into contention, but his night ended painfully after a late leg injury, forcing him to be carted off the field. Even then, the comeback attempt continued until a late Wake Forest touchdown sealed the outcome.
By the final whistle, Wake Forest walked away with a 43–29 win, a nine-victory season, and the familiar mayonnaise bath for its head coach. For Mississippi State, the night felt less about the score and more about transition. With key players opting out, others transferring, and a young quarterback gaining experience, this bowl game felt like both an ending and a beginning for the Bulldogs.
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