Wake Forest Outlasts Mississippi State in Duke’s Mayo Bowl Thriller

Mississippi State struck first in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Friday, opening the scoring with a field goal on its opening possession. The lead, however, was short-lived. Wake Forest responded immediately in dramatic fashion as Koredell Bartley returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, converting a two-point try to give the Demon Deacons an early 8–3 advantage.

The momentum from that electrifying play never waned for Wake Forest. The team maintained control for the remainder of the game, finishing with a 43–29 victory over the Bulldogs. The win marked a milestone for first-year head coach Jake Dickert, who led the team to a nine-win season after consecutive 4–8 campaigns in prior years.

As is tradition at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Dickert participated in the unusual postgame celebration, taking a bath in four and a half gallons of mayonnaise. He shared the moment with his family, bringing both humor and a sense of personal celebration to the program’s milestone victory.

Beyond the spectacle, the game was a competitive contest. Mississippi State kept the pressure on until late, narrowing the lead to seven points in the fourth quarter. Wake Forest’s offense and timely defensive plays ultimately secured the win, demonstrating resilience and poise under pressure.

1. Wake Forest Strikes Early

After Bartley’s 100-yard kickoff return, Wake Forest set the tone for the night. The Demon Deacons’ special teams play electrified the crowd and energized the sideline. Robby Ashford, Wake Forest’s dual-threat quarterback, balanced the offensive attack with accurate passing and effective rushing. The early 8–3 advantage allowed Wake Forest to dictate tempo. The offense maintained a balanced attack while the defense limited Mississippi State’s ability to sustain drives. The combination of aggressive play-calling and opportunistic defense established a foundation for the team’s eventual win. Ashford showcased his versatility throughout the first half, connecting on multiple medium-range passes while scrambling effectively to extend plays. Bartley’s special teams heroics underscored the team’s depth and ability to generate explosive plays outside of standard offensive drives. The first half ended with Wake Forest firmly in command, yet the scoreboard indicated that Mississippi State remained within striking distance, leaving room for tension in the second half.

2. Fourth-Quarter Drama

The fourth quarter brought renewed intensity as Mississippi State mounted a late push. After trailing comfortably, the Bulldogs cut the deficit to a single field goal. Wake Forest’s one-yard touchdown run by Ashford was met with a blocked extra point, which Mississippi State converted into a defensive two-point return by Kelley Jones, narrowing the score to 36–29 with roughly four minutes remaining. The Bulldogs’ surge tested Wake Forest’s composure. Each play demanded precise execution from both the offense and defense, as any lapse could have altered the outcome. The Demon Deacons’ defense held firm on key downs, forcing stops at critical moments to protect the lead. Ashford then delivered a pivotal moment, launching a 62-yard touchdown pass to Ty Clark III, his fifth touchdown of the night. The score extended the lead and effectively sealed the victory. Wake Forest’s defense then prevented further scoring, demonstrating the team’s ability to bend but not break under pressure. The late-game sequence highlighted Wake Forest’s capacity to respond to adversity, balancing offensive aggression with disciplined defensive play to secure the win.

3. Dickert’s Milestone and Bowl Tradition

Jake Dickert’s first bowl victory added another layer of significance to the night. Taking over the program following Dave Clawson’s departure, Dickert immediately reversed the team’s fortunes, guiding Wake Forest to a 9–4 finish in his inaugural season. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl tradition of dousing the winning coach in mayonnaise added levity to the celebration. Dickert shared the messy honor with his family, joining Shane Beamer and other prior coaches in this quirky postgame ritual that has become a hallmark of the event since 2021. Beyond the spectacle, the win marked a statement for Wake Forest’s program: the team overcame mid-game pressure, executed in critical moments, and showcased offensive and defensive balance. For first-year coaches and players alike, the bowl victory represents both a milestone and a foundation for future success. As the season closes, the Demon Deacons can build on this momentum, while Mississippi State reflects on a late-game comeback that fell just short despite flashes of brilliance.