The upcoming 2025 Gator Bowl features an exciting clash between the No. 14 Ole Miss Rebels and the Duke Blue Devils, set to take place on Thursday, January 2, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Both teams are seeking to secure their tenth victory of the season, adding extra importance to this matchup. Ole Miss, led by Coach Lane Kiffin, had aspirations of making the College Football Playoff this year but fell just short. In contrast, Duke has been a pleasant surprise this season, riding a three-game winning streak into the bowl game, although they will be without their starting quarterback, Maalik Murphy, who has transferred to Oregon State.
The game will unfold at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, where Ole Miss is currently favored by 17.5 points, with an over/under set at 51.5 points. Before making any picks, it may be beneficial to consider insights from statistical models that have successfully generated profits on college football bets throughout the season.
From Ole Miss’ perspective, there are several factors contributing to their expectation to cover the spread. Quarterback Jaxson Dart has had an impressive season, throwing for nearly 3,900 yards and demonstrating his dual-threat capability with over 450 rushing yards. The Rebels also boast significant talent on defense, with several All-SEC selections, including defensive lineman Walter Nolen, who has made a strong impression with his sack totals in recent games.
Meanwhile, Duke, despite the loss of Murphy, can still rely on a talented receiving corps spearheaded by Jordan Moore and Eli Pancol. Their productivity throughout the season demonstrates the potential for solid offensive plays, especially with Henry Belin IV stepping up as quarterback. Duke has shown resilience, covering the spread successfully in a majority of their recent games as underdogs.
As the anticipation builds for this electrifying matchup, fans are hopeful for a thrilling showdown that showcases the strengths of both teams. With the odds and team dynamics at play, this Gator Bowl presents an intriguing opportunity for football enthusiasts to witness high-level collegiate competition.
In summary, Ole Miss and Duke are gearing up for a thrilling Gator Bowl as they seek to cap off their seasons with a decisive victory, making this matchup one to watch for fans of college football.