An ACC vs. SEC showdown is set to light up the field as the No. 14 Ole Miss Rebels take on the Duke Blue Devils in the 2025 Gator Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 2. Both teams are hungry for their 10th win of the season, making this matchup one you won’t want to miss. Lane Kiffin’s Rebels were on the cusp of greatness this season, narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoff. On the flip side, the Blue Devils surprised everyone in 2024 and are riding high with three consecutive wins under their belt. However, Duke will be without their starting quarterback, Maalik Murphy, who has moved on to Oregon State. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, with Ole Miss favored by 17.5 points and an over/under of 50.5 points.
### Ole Miss Dominance
Ole Miss boasts a roster brimming with talent on both offense and defense. Quarterback Jaxson Dart has been a force to be reckoned with, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and showcasing his versatility as a runner. The Rebels also flaunt a formidable defense, with multiple players earning spots on the All-SEC team. Walter Nolen, a standout interior lineman, has been a key player with an eye on the upcoming NFL Draft. Additionally, Ole Miss has a solid track record of covering the spread against ACC opponents.
### Duke’s Determination
Despite the absence of Murphy, Duke is not to be underestimated. Receivers Jordan Moore and Eli Pancol provide a reliable target for quarterback Henry Belin IV, who has had ample time to settle into his role as the starter. With some key players missing for Ole Miss, Duke sees an opportunity to capitalize. The Blue Devils have been profitable for bettors this season, boasting an impressive record against the spread in their recent games.
### Expert Insights
The experts have weighed in, with the model predicting a close matchup between Ole Miss and Duke. The model leans towards the Under on the total points and has a point-spread pick that is hitting in a majority of simulations. For a detailed breakdown and to discover which side of the spread is the smart choice, head to SportsLine now and let the advanced model guide your decision-making.
As the 2025 Gator Bowl approaches, the stage is set for a thrilling clash between Ole Miss and Duke. Which team will emerge victorious, and where should you place your bets? Dive into the expert analysis at SportsLine to make informed decisions and elevate your game day experience. Let the excitement of college football unfold before your eyes in this high-stakes showdown.