Wake Forest Demon Deacons Face Off Against Mississippi State Bulldogs with Robby Ashford Leading the Charge

First Quarter

As the Wake Forest Demon Deacons prepare to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the Duke's Mayo Bowl, all eyes are on quarterback Robby Ashford. The betting odds reveal a fascinating landscape for this upcoming clash. The Bulldogs are currently favored, with moneyline odds sitting at -153, while the Demon Deacons are at +129. This suggests a strong belief in MSU's ability to secure an early lead, but Wake's potential for an upset cannot be overlooked.

The spread has been set at -3 in favor of Mississippi State, indicating that bookmakers expect a close contest. Initially opening at -2.5, this slight shift reflects increased confidence in the Bulldogs' performance. However, with Ashford's dynamic playmaking abilities under center for Wake Forest, there's every chance that he could exploit any defensive lapses from MSU.

Second Quarter

As we move into the second quarter, attention turns to total points predictions. The current total is set at 53.5 points, down from an opening of 57.5 points across various sportsbooks like MGM and DraftKings. This downward trend suggests expectations of a tighter defensive battle than initially anticipated.

For those considering their Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs Mississippi State Bulldogs picks against the spread, it's worth noting that 73 percent of bets have favored MSU to cover. Yet, with Ashford leading a potent offense and players like tight end Matthew Lusardi providing reliable targets downfield, Wake could easily turn this game into a high-scoring affair if they find their rhythm early.

Third Quarter

Entering the third quarter, betting insights indicate a significant lean towards Mississippi State maintaining their advantage. With 87 percent of moneyline bets backing MSU and only 13 percent siding with Wake Forest, public sentiment heavily favors the Bulldogs' chances.

However, historical performances show that Wake Forest often thrives as underdogs in bowl games. Their resilience and strategic adjustments during halftime could play a pivotal role in shifting momentum back in their favor.

Fourth Quarter

In the final quarter of action, both teams will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes made by their opponents. The consensus among bettors is that Mississippi State will hold firm defensively; however, if Ashford can orchestrate some late-game heroics and connect with his receivers effectively, we might witness an exciting conclusion to this matchup.

For fans eager to catch all the action live from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on January 2nd at 8:00 PM EST (broadcasted on ESPN), this promises to be an enthralling encounter between two determined squads vying for victory.

Don't miss out on what could be one of the most thrilling games of bowl season! Share your thoughts and predictions about this clash between these fierce competitors!