Game Overview

The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl features an exciting matchup between the Duke Blue Devils (9-3) and the Ole Miss Rebels (9-3). The game will take place at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on January 2, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 PM EST. This showdown pits two teams with potent offenses but also strong defenses, which will likely keep the scoring under control.

Betting Odds

Team Analysis

Duke Blue Devils

Duke enters the Gator Bowl with a 9-3 record and a strong defense that allows just 20.6 points per game, ranking in the top 25 nationally. Quarterback Mike Murphy has thrown for 2,933 yards and 26 touchdowns this season, but turnovers (12 interceptions) have plagued him. Running back Shaun Thomas leads the ground attack with 871 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while receiver Josh Moore has tallied 798 receiving yards and seven scores.

Defensively, Duke excels at stopping the run, holding opponents to just 3.4 yards per carry. The Blue Devils’ ability to disrupt Ole Miss’ rushing game could play a significant role in keeping the score low.

Ole Miss Rebels

The Rebels, led by quarterback Jaxson Dart, are known for their explosive offense, which averages 33.1 points per game. Dart has thrown for 3,875 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, making him one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation. Wide receiver Tre Harris is his favorite target, amassing 1,030 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

While Ole Miss’ offense garners most of the attention, their defense has been quietly solid, allowing 22.3 points per game. Their ability to pressure quarterbacks (3.1 sacks per game) and force mistakes could further hinder Duke’s offensive output.

Recent Performance

Duke Blue Devils

• 11/30/24: Defeated Wake Forest 23-17
• 11/23/24: Defeated Virginia Tech 31-28
• 11/9/24: Defeated NC State 29-19
• 11/2/24: Lost to Miami 53-31
• 10/26/24: Lost to SMU 28-27 (OT)

Ole Miss Rebels

• 11/29/24: Defeated Mississippi State 26-14
• 11/23/24: Lost to Florida 24-17
• 11/9/24: Defeated Georgia 28-10
• 11/2/24: Defeated Arkansas 63-31
• 10/26/24: Defeated Oklahoma 26-14

Head-to-Head Matchup

This will be the first meeting between Duke and Ole Miss in over two decades. While Ole Miss boasts more explosive playmakers, Duke’s disciplined defense and ball-control offense will aim to frustrate the Rebels and keep the score low.

Betting Trends

• The under is 7-3 in Duke’s last 10 games.
• Ole Miss has hit the under in 5 of their last 7 games against ranked opponents.
• Duke is 6-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 games.
• Ole Miss is 3-5 ATS in their last 8 games as double-digit favorites.

Prediction