The Ole Miss Rebels are heading into the Gator Bowl as heavy favorites against the Duke Blue Devils, with a 17.5-point spread in their favor. The game will take place on January 2, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The over/under for the matchup is set at 51.5 points. This game marks the culmination of a successful season for Ole Miss, while Duke, under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko, has exceeded expectations this year. As these two teams clash in a postseason bowl game, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how they match up.
Ole Miss Rebels Overview
The Ole Miss Rebels have had a strong season in 2024, with an impressive 10-3 record, which includes a victory in the Egg Bowl over their in-state rivals, the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Most recently, Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 26-14, a solid win that underscored their ability to control the game on both sides of the ball. The Rebels’ offense has been a key driver of their success this season, with quarterback Jaxson Dart leading the charge. Dart, who has shown poise and accuracy in the pocket, will be a focal point of Ole Miss’s offense in the Gator Bowl. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has been one of the key factors in Ole Miss’s high-scoring attack.
The Rebels’ offense has been dynamic this season, thanks to a potent ground game featuring running back Quinshon Judkins. Judkins has been a force in the backfield, consistently breaking tackles and gaining crucial yards for Ole Miss. The offensive line, led by several experienced seniors, has provided him with plenty of holes to run through, making it difficult for opposing defenses to slow down the Rebels’ rushing attack. In addition to Judkins, Ole Miss’s receiving corps, including Tre Harris and Dayton Wade, has given Dart reliable weapons down the field.
On the defensive side of the ball, Ole Miss has made significant strides this season. The Rebels have improved in all facets of their defense, particularly in pass rushing and red zone defense. Linebacker Troy Brown has been a standout player, leading the team in tackles and providing leadership in the middle of the defense. Ole Miss’s defense, while not as dominant as its offense, has been efficient, preventing big plays and forcing turnovers when necessary.
Duke Blue Devils Overview
Duke, on the other hand, has had a remarkable 2024 season under head coach Mike Elko. The Blue Devils finished the regular season with an 8-4 record and earned a spot in the Gator Bowl. Their most recent game was a 23-17 victory over Wake Forest, a hard-fought win that showcased their resilience and defensive prowess. Duke’s success has largely been attributed to its strong defense and steady play at quarterback.
Quarterback Riley Leonard has been a steady presence for Duke this season. He has a reputation for making smart decisions and keeping the offense on schedule. Leonard is not the flashiest quarterback, but he gets the job done, managing the game effectively and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make key throws in clutch moments has been instrumental in Duke’s success this year.
Duke’s offense, while not as explosive as Ole Miss’s, has been efficient. Running back Jaquez Moore has been the workhorse of the Blue Devils’ offense, and his ability to churn out tough yards has been crucial in setting up manageable down-and-distance situations for Leonard. Duke’s offensive line has done a good job in providing protection for Leonard, and their ability to control the tempo of the game will be a key factor in this matchup.
However, Duke’s real strength lies in its defense. The Blue Devils have one of the top defenses in the country, with a defensive line that excels at applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks. Duke’s pass rush, led by standout defensive ends DeWayne Carter and Jamal Banks, will be a major factor in slowing down Ole Miss’s high-powered offense. In addition to their pass rush, Duke’s secondary has been solid, limiting big plays and forcing quarterbacks to make difficult throws.
Key Matchup: Ole Miss Offense vs. Duke Defense
The most intriguing aspect of this game is how Ole Miss’s high-octane offense will fare against Duke’s stout defense. Ole Miss has averaged over 35 points per game this season, relying on their balanced offensive attack to wear down opposing defenses. Quarterback Jaxson Dart has proven to be a dual-threat quarterback capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs. However, Duke’s defense, ranked among the best in the nation, will present a significant challenge.
Duke’s ability to pressure Dart and disrupt the Rebels’ offensive rhythm will be crucial. If the Blue Devils can get consistent pressure on Dart and force him into uncomfortable situations, they could stifle Ole Miss’s offense. Furthermore, Duke’s secondary will have to keep an eye on Ole Miss’s talented receiving corps and prevent big plays down the field. If Duke can limit Ole Miss’s explosive plays and control the tempo of the game, they will have a chance to stay competitive.
Key Matchup: Duke Offense vs. Ole Miss Defense
While Ole Miss’s offense has been potent, the Rebels’ defense has been somewhat inconsistent this season. Duke’s offense, led by Riley Leonard and Jaquez Moore, will need to execute efficiently to move the ball and put points on the board. The Blue Devils won’t have to put up 40 points to win, but they will need to sustain long drives and capitalize on any opportunities for points.
One area where Duke could potentially exploit Ole Miss’s defense is in the running game. If Duke can establish a strong ground attack with Moore and keep Ole Miss’s defense on its heels, it will open up play-action opportunities for Leonard. Additionally, Duke will need to be efficient in the passing game, using Leonard’s ability to make quick, accurate throws to keep the chains moving and avoid putting the game in the hands of Ole Miss’s dynamic offense.
Prediction
While Duke has had a successful season, Ole Miss’s offensive firepower is difficult to match. The Rebels have shown the ability to put up big numbers against solid defenses, and they will likely do so again in the Gator Bowl. That said, Duke’s defense should be able to keep the game closer than many expect, limiting some of Ole Miss’s scoring opportunities.
Final Score Prediction: Ole Miss 33, Duke 17
Pick Against the Spread: Duke (+17.5)
Pick Over/Under: Under (51.5)
In conclusion, while Ole Miss is the clear favorite in this matchup, Duke’s defense should be able to keep things competitive. Expect Ole Miss to pull away in the second half as their offense proves too much for Duke’s defense, but the Blue Devils will put up a fight and keep it closer than the spread suggests.
