UPDATE: Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor is poised for a breakout performance as the Bulldogs clash with Wake Forest in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl tonight at Bank of America Stadium. The highly anticipated matchup kicks off at 8:00 PM ET on December 29, 2023, and Taylor aims to stake his claim as the program’s future leader.
The freshman dual-threat quarterback turned heads in his only start, throwing for 178 yards and rushing for 173 yards in a tough 38-19 loss against No. 6 Ole Miss. “He’s dynamic,” said Wake Forest coach Jake Dickert. “We have to keep him corralled and stay in our rush lanes.”
Taylor emphasizes leadership as he prepares for the challenge. “I’m working on being more vocal,” he stated. “I have to prove to my teammates that I can lead.” This critical game could solidify his role heading into next season.
Meanwhile, Wake Forest faces adversity with key player departures. Running back Demond Claiborne has declared for the NFL draft, while top receiver Chris Barnes and fourth-leading receiver Micah Mays Jr. have entered the transfer portal. The Demon Deacons (8-4) enter as 3-point underdogs against Mississippi State (5-7), a team that secured a bowl spot due to its high Academic Progress Rate and other teams opting out.
Wake Forest will look to Ty Clark III to lead the rushing attack, following a season where the Mississippi State defense allowed the second-most points per game in the Southeastern Conference. Dickert noted Clark’s progress, stating, “Ty really emerged as a very good 1B option for us.”
Experience is crucial for Wake Forest as they turn to sixth-year quarterback Robby Ashford, who has played for multiple teams including Oregon and Auburn. Ashford finished the season with 2,169 passing yards and 504 rushing yards, demonstrating his dual-threat capability.
In a unique twist, the Duke’s Mayo Bowl is famous for its tradition of dousing the winning coach with mayonnaise. Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby humorously remarked, “I’ve never been more excited about something I didn’t want to do in my entire life.”
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on Kamario Taylor and the Bulldogs to see if they can overcome the odds and secure a victory in this exciting postseason showdown. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this game will shape the future of Mississippi State football.
