Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State

Friday, January 2, 2026, Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Wake Forest beat Mississippi State 43–⁠29. It was their second meeting; the series is even at 1–⁠1.

Neutral siteWake Forest9–⁠4 in 2025
43
Neutral siteMississippi State5–⁠8 in 2025
29

Final at Bank of America Stadium, CharlotteTV: ESPNAttendance 29,328Payout $4,780,461 in all (Wikipedia)

MVP Robby Ashford (QB, Wake Forest)Wikipedia

At kickoff
54°F, wind 5 mph from the southWeather: NOAA NCEI Global Historical Climatology Network hourly; Charlotte Douglas Airport, 9 km from the stadium, eight minutes before kickoff
Viewers
2.6 million viewers on ESPNViewers: Nielsen, as compiled by nschultz7’s ratings tracker.
Official
Gregory BlumGame officials: stats.ncaa.org box scores, via SportsDataverse

Scoring by quarter

TeamQ1Q2Q3Q4Final
Wake Forest150151343
Mississippi State6311929

How the win probability moved

Mississippi State favored

Win probability by play: Mississippi State 58% at kickoff, 0% at the end. Biggest swing: 41 points.

Wake Forest favored

Win probability after every play, from CollegeFootballData.com’s model. The dot marks the biggest swing (41 points).

Standouts

  • PassingRobby Ashford20 of 33, 303 yards, 3 TD, 1 INTWake Forest
  • RushingTy Clark III17 carries, 91 yardsWake Forest
  • ReceivingBrenen Thompson4 catches, 106 yardsMississippi State
  • DefenseNick Andersen12 tackles, 1 sack, 1 for lossWake Forest

Player stats

Wake Forest

PassingC/AttYdsTDInt
Robby Ashford20/3330331
RushingCarYdsTDLong
Ty Clark III1791012
Robby Ashford1450212
JaMario Clements2908
ReceivingRecYdsTDLong
Carlos Hernandez673022
Ty Clark III373162
Jack Foley164164
Sterling Berkhalter534015
DefenseTklTFLSacksInt
Nick Andersen12110
Aiden Hall71.500
Karon Prunty6110
Frank Cusano60.500
Gabe Kirschke51.510
Jayden Loving510.50
Dallas Afalava31.51.50

Mississippi State

PassingC/AttYdsTDInt
Kamario Taylor13/2224110
Luke Kromenhoek3/55300
RushingCarYdsTDLong
Kamario Taylor1863116
Fluff Bothwell1438015
Xavier Gayten5804
Anthony Evans III1404
ReceivingRecYdsTDLong
Brenen Thompson4106051
Anthony Evans III480039
Sanfrisco Magee247142
Ayden Williams230021
DefenseTklTFLSacksInt
Jalen Smith12000
Hunter Washington7000
Nic Mitchell6000
Jahron Manning6100
Malick Sylla3110
Brylan Lanier2001

From CollegeFootballData’s box score. Names lead to each player’s page. ★ a career high on file.

Team stats

Wake ForestMississippi State
451Total yards408
303Passing yards294
148Rushing yards114
9.2Yards per pass10.9
4.2Yards per rush2.7
23First downs20
9–⁠15Third downs3–⁠14
0–⁠0Fourth downs0–⁠2
1Turnovers0
9–⁠76Penalties7–⁠60
31:35Possession28:25
5Sacks (by defense)1

Efficiency

Wake ForestMississippi State
44%Success rate37%
0.28EPA per play−0.01
1.54Explosiveness1.15
0.13Rushing EPA−0.07
0.43Passing EPA0.13
39%Passing-down success8%
−0.06First-down EPA0.12
0.22Second-down EPA0.03
1.08Third-down EPA0.22
15%Havoc by its defense9%

From CollegeFootballData.com: each offense’s efficiency, and the havoc each defense caused. The better side of each line is bold.

Before kickoff

Our ratings and the line, going in

Our ratings (scores only)

Wake Forest 61% to win. Elo’s favorite won.

The line

Mississippi State −3, over/under 52.5.

The last line on file before kickoff: the consensus line when the books publish one, otherwise a single major sportsbook’s.

Before kickoff, the win chances were Mississippi State 57%, Wake Forest 43%. CollegeFootballData.com’s estimate from the point spread.

Every drive

Mississippi State end zoneWake Forest end zoneQ1 Mississippi StateField goal, 7 playsQ1 Wake ForestTouchdown, 4 playsQ1 Mississippi StatePunt, 3 playsQ1 Wake ForestPunt, 5 playsQ1 Mississippi StateField goal, 6 playsQ1 Wake ForestTouchdown, 9 playsQ1 Mississippi StatePunt, 3 playsQ1 Wake ForestPunt, 3 playsQ1 Mississippi StateTurnover on downs, 9 playsQ2 Wake ForestPunt, 3 playsQ2 Mississippi StateField goal, 10 playsQ2 Wake ForestPunt, 9 playsQ2 Mississippi StatePunt, 4 playsQ2 Wake ForestInterception, 2 playsQ2 Mississippi StateEnd of half, 2 playsQ3 Wake ForestTouchdown, 3 playsQ3 Mississippi StatePunt, 3 playsQ3 Wake ForestPunt, 3 playsQ3 Mississippi StateField goal, 5 playsQ3 Wake ForestTouchdown, 11 playsQ3 Mississippi StateTouchdown, 8 playsQ3 Wake ForestPunt, 6 playsQ4 Mississippi StateTouchdown, 4 playsQ4 Wake ForestTouchdown, 10 playsQ4 Mississippi StatePunt, 3 playsQ4 Wake ForestTouchdown, 3 playsQ4 Mississippi StateTurnover on downs, 6 playsQ4 Wake ForestEnd of game, 2 plays
Solid bars scored; an outline in the other team’s color marks points the defense scored. Mississippi State drives left to right, Wake Forest right to left.
  1. Q1 Mississippi StateField goal, 7 plays, 60 yards
  2. Q1 Wake ForestTouchdown, 4 plays, 14 yards
  3. Q1 Mississippi StatePunt, 3 plays, 9 yards
  4. Q1 Wake ForestPunt, 5 plays, 14 yards
  5. Q1 Mississippi StateField goal, 6 plays, 42 yards
  6. Q1 Wake ForestTouchdown, 9 plays, 75 yards
  7. Q1 Mississippi StatePunt, 3 plays, 5 yards
  8. Q1 Wake ForestPunt, 3 plays, 1 yard
  9. Q1 Mississippi StateTurnover on downs, 9 plays, 53 yards
  10. Q2 Wake ForestPunt, 3 plays, 3 yards
  11. Q2 Mississippi StateField goal, 10 plays, 56 yards
  12. Q2 Wake ForestPunt, 9 plays, 35 yards
  13. Q2 Mississippi StatePunt, 4 plays, 34 yards
  14. Q2 Wake ForestInterception, 2 plays, 22 yards
  15. Q2 Mississippi StateEnd of half, 2 plays, −10 yards
  16. Q3 Wake ForestTouchdown, 3 plays, 75 yards
  17. Q3 Mississippi StatePunt, 3 plays, 3 yards
  18. Q3 Wake ForestPunt, 3 plays, 1 yard
  19. Q3 Mississippi StateField goal, 5 plays, 15 yards
  20. Q3 Wake ForestTouchdown, 11 plays, 75 yards
  21. Q3 Mississippi StateTouchdown, 8 plays, 65 yards
  22. Q3 Wake ForestPunt, 6 plays, 9 yards
  23. Q4 Mississippi StateTouchdown, 4 plays, 81 yards
  24. Q4 Wake ForestTouchdown, 10 plays, 63 yards
  25. Q4 Mississippi StatePunt, 3 plays, −1 yard
  26. Q4 Wake ForestTouchdown, 3 plays, 65 yards
  27. Q4 Mississippi StateTurnover on downs, 6 plays, 23 yards
  28. Q4 Wake ForestEnd of game, 2 plays, −2 yards

Play by play

1st quarter8 drives, then Wake Forest 15, Mississippi State 6
Mississippi State Field goal, 7 plays
15:001st & 10 at own 35#97 C.Carlson kickoff 65 yards to the MSU00, Touchback
15:001st & 10 at own 25Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass complete deep right to #0 B.Thompson caught at Deacs24, for 51 yards to the Deacs24 (#27 T.West), 1ST DOWN
15:001st & 10 at opp 24No Huddle-Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush middle for 4 yards gain to the Deacs20 (#10 G.Kirschke)
15:002nd & 6 at opp 20No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush right for 6 yards gain to the Deacs14 (#24 D.Hazen), 1ST DOWN
15:001st & 10 at opp 14No Huddle-Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush right for 1 yard loss to the Deacs15 (#21 A.Hall; #8 J.Loving)
15:002nd & 11 at opp 15No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass incomplete short left to #24 F.Bothwell thrown to Deacs15
15:003rd & 11 at opp 15No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass incomplete short middle to #11 A.Williams thrown to Deacs00
12:554th & 11 at opp 15#80 K.Ferrie field goal attempt from 33 yards GOOD (H: #47 W.Wilkinson, LS: #39 K.Cosper), clock 12:55Mississippi State 3, Wake Forest 0
12:331st & 10 at own 35Koredell Bartley 100 Yd Kickoff Return (Sawyer Racanelli Pass to Eni Falayi for Two-Point Conversion)Wake Forest 8, Mississippi State 3
12:554th & 11 at opp 15Timeout Mississippi State, clock 12:55
Mississippi State Punt, 3 plays
12:331st & 10 at own 35#97 C.Carlson kickoff 65 yards to the MSU00, Touchback
12:331st & 10 at own 25Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush middle for 6 yards gain to the MSU31 (#43 F.Cusano)
12:332nd & 4 at own 31PENALTY MSU Illegal Snap (#72 C.Boone) 5 yards from MSU31 to MSU26. NO PLAY
12:332nd & 9 at own 26No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush left for 6 yards gain to the MSU32 (#43 F.Cusano)
12:333rd & 3 at own 32No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush middle for 2 yards gain to the MSU34 (#52 D.Afalava; #8 J.Loving)
10:464th & 1 at own 34#88 E.Pulliam punt 47 yards to the Deacs19 muffed by #8 C.Hernandez at Deacs19, out of bounds at Deacs19
10:553rd & 3 at own 32Timeout Mississippi State, clock 10:55
Wake Forest Punt, 5 plays
10:551st & 10 at own 31Shotgun #2 R.Ashford rush middle for 2 yards gain to the Deacs33 (#11 T.Lockhart; #40 N.Mitchell)
10:552nd & 8 at own 33Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass incomplete short right to #9 S.Racanelli thrown to Deacs41
9:243rd & 8 at own 33Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass incomplete short left to #9 S.Racanelli thrown to Deacs39
9:242nd & 8 at opp 33Timeout Mississippi State, clock 09:24
9:241st & 10 at own 19No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford rush middle for 12 yards gain to the Deacs31 (#13 J.Manning), 1ST DOWN
9:124th & 8 at own 33#91 C.Joseph punt 41 yards to the MSU26 fair catch by #0 B.Thompson at MSU26
Mississippi State Field goal, 6 plays
9:121st & 10 at own 26No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass complete short left to #11 A.Williams caught at MSU34, for 21 yards to the MSU47 (#3 K.Prunty; #45 N.Andersen), 1ST DOWN
9:121st & 10 at own 47No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush middle for 16 yards gain to the Deacs37 (#3 K.Prunty), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
9:121st & 10 at opp 37No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor sacked for loss of 1 yard to the Deacs38 (#10 G.Kirschke)
9:122nd & 11 at opp 38No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass incomplete short right to #0 B.Thompson thrown to Deacs32
7:533rd & 11 at opp 38Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass complete short right to #24 F.Bothwell caught at Deacs32, for 6 yards to the Deacs32 (#20 Z.Jackson; #45 N.Andersen)
7:532nd & 11 at opp 38Timeout Mississippi State, clock 07:53
7:124th & 5 at opp 32#80 K.Ferrie field goal attempt from 50 yards GOOD (H: #47 W.Wilkinson, LS: #39 K.Cosper), clock 07:12Wake Forest 8, Mississippi State 6
Wake Forest Touchdown, 9 plays
7:121st & 10 at own 35#80 K.Ferrie kickoff 65 yards to the Deacs00, Touchback
7:121st & 10 at own 25Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short right to #8 C.Hernandez caught at Deacs26, for 16 yards to the Deacs41 (#3 B.Lanier), 1ST DOWN, PENALTY MSU Roughing The Passer (#8 M.Sylla) 15 yards from Deacs41 to MSU44, 1ST DOWN
7:121st & 10 at opp 44Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush middle for 6 yards gain to the MSU38 (#21 H.Washington; #6 D.Anderson)
7:122nd & 4 at opp 38Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass incomplete short left thrown to MSU40 QB hurried by #92 J.Bledsoe
7:123rd & 4 at opp 38No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford rush middle for 5 yards gain to the MSU33 (#10 J.Smith; #13 J.Manning), 1ST DOWN
7:121st & 10 at opp 33No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass incomplete deep middle to #89 J.Foley thrown to MSU00
5:362nd & 10 at opp 33Shotgun #3 J.Clements rush middle for 8 yards gain to the MSU25 (#10 J.Smith; #35 K.Dinkins)
5:361st & 10 at opp 33Timeout Wake Forest, clock 05:36
5:363rd & 2 at opp 25No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford rush left for 8 yards gain to the MSU17 (#10 J.Smith), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
5:361st & 10 at opp 17No Huddle-Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush middle for 3 yards gain to the MSU14 (#4 D.Brumfield; #10 J.Smith)
3:492nd & 7 at opp 14Kamrean Johnson 14 Yd pass from Robby Ashford (Connor Calvert Kick)Wake Forest 15, Mississippi State 6
Mississippi State Punt, 3 plays
3:491st & 10 at own 35#97 C.Carlson kickoff 63 yards to the MSU02 fair catch by #3 A.Evans III at MSU02
3:491st & 10 at own 25Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush middle for 2 yards gain to the MSU27 (#45 N.Andersen)
3:492nd & 8 at own 27No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush middle for 3 yards gain to the MSU30 (#45 N.Andersen)
3:493rd & 5 at own 30No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass incomplete short right to #0 B.Thompson thrown to MSU35 QB hurried by #5 D.Patterson
2:404th & 5 at own 30#88 E.Pulliam punt 51 yards to the Deacs19 muffed by #8 C.Hernandez at Deacs19, out of bounds at Deacs23
Wake Forest Punt, 3 plays
2:401st & 10 at own 23Shotgun #3 J.Clements rush right for 1 yard gain to the Deacs24 (#46 J.Head Jr.; #21 H.Washington)
2:402nd & 9 at own 24Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass incomplete short left to #3 J.Clements thrown to Deacs18
2:403rd & 9 at own 24Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass incomplete deep left to #9 S.Racanelli thrown to MSU40
1:424th & 9 at own 24#91 C.Joseph punt 39 yards to the MSU37 fair catch by #0 B.Thompson at MSU37
1:493rd & 9 at own 24Timeout Wake Forest, clock 01:49
Mississippi State Turnover on downs, 9 plays
1:491st & 10 at own 37No Huddle-Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush right for 1 yard loss to the MSU36 (#10 G.Kirschke; #21 A.Hall)
1:492nd & 11 at own 36No Huddle-Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush middle for 9 yards gain to the MSU45 (#23 B.Johnson)
1:493rd & 2 at own 45No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass complete short left to #11 A.Williams caught at MSU49, for 9 yards to the Deacs46 (#45 N.Andersen), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
1:491st & 10 at opp 46No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass complete short right to #0 B.Thompson caught at Deacs41, for 9 yards to the Deacs37 (#20 Z.Jackson; #45 N.Andersen)
1:492nd & 1 at opp 37No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass complete short middle to #3 A.Evans III caught at Deacs23, for 20 yards to the Deacs17 (#20 Z.Jackson), 1ST DOWN
Q2 15:001st & 10 at opp 17Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush right for 2 yards gain to the Deacs15 (#42 T.Walton)
Q2 15:002nd & 8 at opp 15No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush middle for 3 yards gain to the Deacs12 (#45 N.Andersen)
Q2 15:003rd & 5 at opp 12No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush right for 4 yards gain to the Deacs08 (#8 J.Loving)
Q2 13:194th & 1 at opp 8No Huddle-Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush middle for 2 yards loss to the Deacs10 (#43 F.Cusano; #7 N.Gatkuoth), TURNOVER ON DOWNS
2nd quarter8 drives, then Wake Forest 15, Mississippi State 9
Wake Forest Punt, 3 plays
13:191st & 10 at own 10Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush middle for 2 yards gain to the Deacs12 (#8 M.Sylla; #22 K.Bingley-Jones)
13:192nd & 8 at own 12PENALTY Deacs False Start (#85 W.Loerzel) 5 yards from Deacs12 to Deacs07. NO PLAY
13:192nd & 13 at own 7Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short middle to #8 C.Hernandez caught at Deacs13, for 6 yards to the Deacs13, End Of Play
13:193rd & 7 at own 13No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass incomplete short right to #4 S.Berkhalter thrown to Deacs28 QB hurried by #8 M.Sylla
11:264th & 7 at own 13#91 C.Joseph punt 48 yards to the MSU39 fair catch by #0 B.Thompson at MSU39
Mississippi State Field goal, 10 plays
11:261st & 10 at own 39Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush middle for 6 yards gain to the MSU45 (#21 A.Hall)
11:264th & 7 at own 13Timeout Wake Forest, clock 11:26
Mississippi State Field goal, 10 plays
11:262nd & 4 at own 45PENALTY MSU False Start (#77 J.James) 5 yards from MSU45 to MSU40. NO PLAY
11:262nd & 9 at own 40No Huddle-Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush middle for 6 yards gain to the MSU46 (#7 N.Gatkuoth; #9 Q.Bryant)
11:263rd & 3 at own 46No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush middle for 7 yards gain to the Deacs47 (#21 A.Hall), 1ST DOWN
11:261st & 10 at opp 47No Huddle-Shotgun #22 X.Gayten rush middle for 0 yards to the Deacs47 (#45 N.Andersen) PENALTY Deacs Personal Foul (#8 J.Loving) 15 yards from Deacs47 to Deacs32, 1ST DOWN
11:261st & 10 at opp 32No Huddle-Shotgun #17 L.Kromenhoek pass incomplete deep right to #0 B.Thompson thrown to Deacs00 PENALTY Deacs Pass Interference (#3 K.Prunty) 15 yards from Deacs32 to Deacs17, 1ST DOWN. NO PLAY
11:261st & 10 at opp 17No Huddle-Shotgun #17 L.Kromenhoek pass complete short left to #3 A.Evans III caught at Deacs11, for 9 yards to the Deacs08 (#22 M.Turpin)
11:262nd & 1 at opp 8No Huddle-Shotgun #3 A.Evans III rush right for 4 yards gain to the Deacs04 (#10 G.Kirschke), 1ST DOWN
11:261st & goal at opp 4No Huddle-Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush middle for 1 yard gain to the Deacs03 (#10 G.Kirschke)
11:262nd & goal at opp 3No Huddle-Shotgun #17 L.Kromenhoek sacked for loss of 2 yards to the Deacs05 (#45 N.Andersen)
11:263rd & goal at opp 5No Huddle-Shotgun #17 L.Kromenhoek rush right for 0 yards to the Deacs05 (#94 Z.Lohavichan)
6:154th & goal at opp 5#80 K.Ferrie field goal attempt from 23 yards GOOD (H: #47 W.Wilkinson, LS: #39 K.Cosper), clock 06:15Wake Forest 15, Mississippi State 9
6:151st & 10 at own 35#80 K.Ferrie kickoff 65 yards to the Deacs00, Touchback
6:154th & goal at opp 5Timeout Mississippi State, clock 06:15
Wake Forest Punt, 9 plays
6:151st & 10 at own 25Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short right to #89 J.Foley caught at Deacs35, for 10 yards to the Deacs35 (#4 D.Brumfield; #37 N.Sanders) PENALTY Deacs Ineligible Downfield on Pass (#79 F.Fa’amoe) 5 yards from Deacs25 to Deacs20. NO PLAY
6:15Timeout Mississippi State, clock 06:15
6:151st & 15 at own 20Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass incomplete short right to #12 K.Johnson thrown to Deacs34
6:152nd & 15 at own 20Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short right to #4 S.Berkhalter caught at Deacs19, for 8 yards to the Deacs28 (#13 J.Manning; #21 H.Washington)
6:153rd & 7 at own 28Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short left to #4 S.Berkhalter caught at Deacs43, for 15 yards to the Deacs43, End Of Play, 1ST DOWN
6:151st & 10 at own 43PENALTY Deacs False Start (#79 F.Fa’amoe) 5 yards from Deacs43 to Deacs38. NO PLAY
6:151st & 15 at own 38Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush left for 8 yards gain to the Deacs46 (#3 B.Lanier; #8 M.Sylla)
6:152nd & 7 at own 46Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass incomplete short right to #12 K.Johnson thrown to Deacs45
6:153rd & 7 at own 46Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short right to #8 C.Hernandez caught at Deacs50, for 19 yards to the MSU35 (#4 D.Brumfield), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
6:151st & 10 at opp 35PENALTY Deacs False Start (#65 C.Richard) 5 yards from MSU35 to MSU40. NO PLAY
6:151st & 15 at opp 40Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush middle for 3 yards gain to the MSU37 (#10 J.Smith)
6:152nd & 12 at opp 37Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush middle for 1 yard gain to the MSU36 (#37 N.Sanders)
2:003rd & 11 at opp 36Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short middle to #8 C.Hernandez caught at MSU35, for 1 yard to the MSU35 (#40 N.Mitchell)
2:002nd & 12 at opp 37Timeout Wake Forest, clock 02:00
1:534th & 10 at opp 35PENALTY Deacs Delay Of Game declined, TURNOVER ON DOWNS
1:533rd & 11 at own 36Timeout Mississippi State, clock 01:53
1:474th & 10 at opp 35#91 C.Joseph punt 21 yards to the MSU14 fair catch by #0 B.Thompson at MSU14
Mississippi State Punt, 4 plays
1:471st & 10 at own 45No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass incomplete deep right to #0 B.Thompson thrown to Deacs06
1:472nd & 10 at own 45No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush middle for 3 yards gain to the MSU48 (#45 N.Andersen; #43 F.Cusano)
1:473rd & 7 at own 48No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass incomplete short left to #11 A.Williams thrown to Deacs37 broken up by #20 L.Webb Jr. PENALTY MSU Holding declined
0:494th & 7 at own 48#88 E.Pulliam punt 52 yards to the Deacs00, Touchback
Wake Forest Interception, 2 plays
0:491st & 10 at own 20Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short middle to #8 C.Hernandez caught at Deacs37, for 22 yards to the Deacs42 (#40 N.Mitchell), 1ST DOWN
0:321st & 10 at own 42No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass intercepted by #3 B.Lanier at MSU42 #3 B.Lanier return 12 yards to the Deacs46 (#4 S.Berkhalter)
Mississippi State End of half, 2 plays
0:321st & 10 at opp 46Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass incomplete short middle to #3 A.Evans III thrown to Deacs35
0:322nd & 10 at opp 46No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor sacked for loss of 10 yards to the MSU44 (#52 D.Afalava, #8 J.Loving)
Mississippi State Punt, 4 plays
0:001st & 10 at own 14No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass complete deep right to #0 B.Thompson caught at MSU42, for 31 yards to the MSU45 (#3 K.Prunty), 1ST DOWN
3rd quarter8 drives, then Wake Forest 30, Mississippi State 20
Wake Forest Touchdown, 3 plays
15:001st & 10 at own 35#80 K.Ferrie kickoff 65 yards to the Deacs00, Touchback
15:001st & 10 at own 25Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush middle for 11 yards gain to the Deacs36 (#21 H.Washington; #13 J.Manning), 1ST DOWN
15:001st & 10 at own 36No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass incomplete short right to #8 C.Hernandez thrown to Deacs38 broken up by #13 J.Manning
14:062nd & 10 at own 36Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete deep middle to #89 J.Foley caught at MSU19, for 64 yards to the MSU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 14:06, 1ST DOWNWake Forest 23, Mississippi State 9
Mississippi State Punt, 3 plays
14:061st & 10 at own 35#97 C.Carlson kickoff 65 yards to the MSU00, Touchback
14:061st & 10 at own 25Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush middle for 0 yards to the MSU25 (#21 A.Hall; #24 D.Hazen)
14:06Timeout Wake Forest, clock 14:06
14:062nd & 10 at own 25Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush middle for 3 yards gain to the MSU28 (#8 J.Loving)
14:063rd & 7 at own 28No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass incomplete short left to #11 A.Williams thrown to MSU36
13:064th & 7 at own 28#88 E.Pulliam punt 39 yards to the Deacs33 fair catch by #45 N.Andersen at Deacs33
Wake Forest Punt, 3 plays
13:061st & 10 at own 33Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short right to #0 T.Clark caught at Deacs27, for 2 yards to the Deacs35 (#1 K.Jones), out of bounds
13:064th & 7 at own 28Timeout Mississippi State, clock 13:06
Wake Forest Punt, 3 plays
13:062nd & 8 at own 35Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass incomplete deep middle to #89 J.Foley thrown to MSU30
13:063rd & 8 at own 35No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford sacked for loss of 1 yard to the Deacs34 (#8 M.Sylla)
11:314th & 9 at own 34#91 C.Joseph punt 43 yards to the MSU23 #0 B.Thompson return 44 yards to the Deacs33 (#15 D.Cook)
Mississippi State Field goal, 5 plays
11:311st & 10 at opp 33Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush middle for 15 yards gain to the Deacs18 (#23 B.Johnson), 1ST DOWN
11:311st & 10 at opp 18No Huddle-Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush right for 2 yards loss to the Deacs20 (#55 K.Dembele; #21 A.Hall)
11:312nd & 12 at opp 20No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor sacked for loss of 4 yards to the Deacs24 (#52 D.Afalava)
11:313rd & 16 at opp 24No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass complete short left to #87 S.West caught at Deacs22, for 6 yards to the Deacs18 (#24 D.Hazen)
9:244th & 10 at opp 18#80 K.Ferrie field goal attempt from 36 yards GOOD (H: #47 W.Wilkinson, LS: #39 K.Cosper), clock 09:24Wake Forest 23, Mississippi State 12
Wake Forest Touchdown, 11 plays
9:241st & 10 at own 35#80 K.Ferrie kickoff 64 yards to the Deacs01 fair catch by #39 R.Henley at Deacs01
9:241st & 10 at own 25PENALTY Deacs False Start (#65 C.Richard) 5 yards from Deacs25 to Deacs20. NO PLAY
9:241st & 15 at own 20Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short right to #8 C.Hernandez caught at Deacs17, for 9 yards to the Deacs29 (#10 J.Smith)
9:242nd & 6 at own 29No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short left to #12 K.Johnson caught at Deacs30, for 10 yards to the Deacs39 (#37 N.Sanders), 1ST DOWN
9:241st & 10 at own 39Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush middle for 12 yards gain to the MSU49 (#21 H.Washington), 1ST DOWN
9:241st & 10 at opp 49Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short left to #4 S.Berkhalter caught at MSU47, for 4 yards to the MSU45 (#16 D.Gullette)
9:242nd & 6 at opp 45No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short left to #84 E.Falayi caught at MSU40, for 10 yards to the MSU35 (#44 B.Jennings), 1ST DOWN
9:241st & 10 at opp 35Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short right to #4 S.Berkhalter caught at MSU41, for 1 yard to the MSU34 (#10 J.Smith; #35 K.Dinkins)
6:172nd & 9 at opp 34Shotgun #2 R.Ashford rush middle for 10 yards gain to the MSU24 (#10 J.Smith), 1ST DOWN
6:171st & 10 at opp 35Timeout Wake Forest, clock 06:17
6:171st & 10 at opp 24Shotgun #2 R.Ashford rush left for 4 yards gain to the MSU20 (#40 N.Mitchell)
6:172nd & 6 at opp 20No Huddle-Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush middle for 5 yards gain to the MSU15 (#37 N.Sanders)
6:173rd & 1 at opp 15No Huddle-Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush right for 7 yards gain to the MSU08 (#1 K.Jones; #21 H.Washington), 1ST DOWN
6:171st & goal at opp 8No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass incomplete short left to #89 J.Foley thrown to MSU00 PENALTY MSU Pass Interference (#15 J.Williams) 6 yards from MSU08 to MSU02, 1ST DOWN. NO PLAY
4:191st & goal at opp 2Shotgun #2 R.Ashford rush middle for 2 yards gain to the MSU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 04:19 #90 C.Calvert kick attempt good (H: #9 S.Racanelli, LS: #32 W.Cobb)Wake Forest 30, Mississippi State 12
Mississippi State Touchdown, 8 plays
4:191st & 10 at own 35#97 C.Carlson kickoff 52 yards to the MSU13, out of bounds at MSU13
4:191st & 10 at own 35Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush right for 11 yards gain to the MSU46 (#43 F.Cusano), 1ST DOWN
4:191st & 10 at own 46Shotgun #17 L.Kromenhoek rush left for 8 yards gain to the Deacs46 (#45 N.Andersen; #20 L.Webb Jr.)
4:192nd & 2 at opp 46Shotgun #22 X.Gayten rush middle for 2 yards gain to the Deacs44 (#21 A.Hall; #43 F.Cusano), 1ST DOWN
4:191st & 10 at opp 44Shotgun #22 X.Gayten rush right for 1 yard gain to the Deacs43 (#24 D.Hazen), out of bounds
4:192nd & 9 at opp 43No Huddle-Shotgun #17 L.Kromenhoek pass complete deep middle to #3 A.Evans III caught at Deacs05, for 39 yards to the Deacs04 (#22 M.Turpin), 1ST DOWN
4:191st & goal at opp 4No Huddle-Shotgun #22 X.Gayten rush middle for 1 yard gain to the Deacs03 (#94 Z.Lohavichan)
4:192nd & goal at opp 3No Huddle-Shotgun #24 F.Bothwell rush middle for 2 yards gain to the Deacs01 (#94 Z.Lohavichan; #9 Q.Bryant)
0:003rd & goal at opp 1Kamario Taylor 1 Yd Run (Kamario Taylor Pass to Seydou Traore for Two-Point Conversion)Wake Forest 30, Mississippi State 20
Wake Forest Punt, 6 plays
4:19PENALTY MSU UNS: Unsportsmanlike Conduct (#8 S.Traore) 15 yards from MSU35 to MSU20. NO PLAY
Q4 14:531st & 10 at own 20#80 K.Ferrie kickoff 70 yards to the Deacs10 #39 R.Henley return 26 yards to the Deacs36 (#22 K.Bingley-Jones; #46 J.Head Jr.)
Q4 15:001st & 10 at own 36Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush middle for 7 yards gain to the Deacs43 (#92 J.Bledsoe)
Q4 15:002nd & 3 at own 43Shotgun #2 R.Ashford rush middle for 1 yard gain to the Deacs44 (#10 J.Smith; #40 N.Mitchell)
Q4 15:003rd & 2 at own 44Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush middle for 4 yards gain to the Deacs48 (#10 J.Smith), 1ST DOWN
Q4 15:001st & 10 at own 48No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short left to #4 S.Berkhalter caught at Deacs46, for 6 yards to the MSU46 (#1 K.Jones)
Q4 15:002nd & 4 at opp 46No Huddle-Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush middle for 1 yard gain to the MSU45 (#92 J.Bledsoe)
Q4 15:003rd & 3 at opp 45No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford rush right for 4 yards loss to the MSU49 (#13 J.Manning)
Q4 15:004th & 7 at opp 49PENALTY Deacs Delay Of Game 6 yards from MSU49 to Deacs45. NO PLAY
Q4 11:264th & 7 at opp 49#91 C.Joseph punt 38 yards to the MSU11 fair catch by #0 B.Thompson at MSU11
Q4 11:264th & 13 at own 45#91 C.Joseph punt 39 yards to the MSU16 fair catch by #0 B.Thompson at MSU16
4th quarter6 drives, then Wake Forest 43, Mississippi State 29
Mississippi State Touchdown, 4 plays
11:261st & 10 at own 16No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass complete short right to #26 K.Wilson caught at MSU17, for 8 yards to the MSU24 (#23 B.Johnson)
11:262nd & 2 at own 24No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass complete short right to #0 B.Thompson caught at MSU34, for 15 yards to the MSU39 (#3 K.Prunty; #45 N.Andersen), 1ST DOWN, PENALTY Deacs Roughing The Passer (#55 K.Dembele) 15 yards from MSU39 to Deacs46, 1ST DOWN
11:261st & 10 at opp 46No Huddle-Shotgun #22 X.Gayten rush right for 4 yards gain to the Deacs42 (#55 K.Dembele)
10:172nd & 6 at opp 42No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass complete short middle to #13 S.Magee caught at Deacs28, for 42 yards to the Deacs00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 10:17, 1ST DOWN #80 K.Ferrie kick attempt good (H: #47 W.Wilkinson, LS: #39 K.Cosper)Wake Forest 30, Mississippi State 27
10:101st & 10 at own 35#80 K.Ferrie kickoff 65 yards to the Deacs00 #35 K.Bartley return 37 yards to the Deacs37 (#36 J.Stewart), out of bounds
10:17Timeout Mississippi State, clock 10:17
Wake Forest Touchdown, 10 plays
10:171st & 10 at own 37Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short right to #84 E.Falayi caught at Deacs37, for 0 yards to the Deacs37 (#40 N.Mitchell)
10:172nd & 10 at own 37No Huddle-Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush right for 5 yards gain to the Deacs42 (#21 H.Washington)
10:173rd & 5 at own 42No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short left to #0 T.Clark caught at Deacs40, for 9 yards to the MSU49 (#10 J.Smith), 1ST DOWN
10:171st & 10 at opp 49No Huddle-Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush middle for 3 yards gain to the MSU46 (#13 J.Manning)
10:172nd & 7 at opp 46No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass incomplete short right to #0 T.Clark thrown to MSU41
10:173rd & 7 at opp 46No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford rush left for 7 yards gain to the MSU39 (#1 K.Jones), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
10:171st & 10 at opp 39No Huddle-Shotgun #2 R.Ashford rush middle for 1 yard gain to the MSU38 (#44 B.Jennings)
10:172nd & 9 at opp 38No Huddle-Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush left for 12 yards gain to the MSU26 (#28 T.Johnson), 1ST DOWN
10:171st & 10 at opp 26Shotgun #2 R.Ashford pass complete short left to #9 S.Racanelli caught at MSU29, for 25 yards to the MSU01 (#4 D.Brumfield), 1ST DOWN
4:071st & goal at opp 1Robby Ashford 1 Yd Run (Connor Calvert PAT blocked)Wake Forest 36, Mississippi State 27
4:131st & 10 at opp 26Timeout Wake Forest, clock 04:13
4:07Kelley Jones Defensive PAT ConversionWake Forest 36, Mississippi State 29
Mississippi State Punt, 3 plays
4:071st & 10 at own 35#97 C.Carlson kickoff 65 yards to the MSU00, Touchback
4:07Timeout Wake Forest, clock 04:07
4:071st & 10 at own 25Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush left for 7 yards loss to the MSU18, End Of Play
4:072nd & 17 at own 18No Huddle-Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass complete short right to #8 S.Traore caught at MSU25, for 11 yards to the MSU29 (#5 D.Patterson; #24 D.Hazen). The previous play is under automatic review - “Forward pass”. CALL UPHELD
4:073rd & 6 at own 29Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass incomplete short right thrown to MSU40
4:074th & 6 at own 29PENALTY MSU Delay Of Game 5 yards from MSU29 to MSU24. NO PLAY
2:354th & 11 at own 24#88 E.Pulliam punt 41 yards to the Deacs35, out of bounds at Deacs35
Wake Forest Touchdown, 3 plays
2:351st & 10 at own 35Shotgun #0 T.Clark rush middle for 1 yard gain to the Deacs36 (#16 D.Gullette)
2:292nd & 9 at own 36Shotgun #2 R.Ashford rush left for 2 yards gain to the Deacs38 (#10 J.Smith)
2:291st & 10 at opp 35Timeout Mississippi State, clock 02:29
2:153rd & 7 at own 38Ty Clark III 62 Yd pass from Robby Ashford (Connor Calvert Kick)Wake Forest 43, Mississippi State 29
2:252nd & 9 at opp 36Timeout Mississippi State, clock 02:25
Mississippi State Turnover on downs, 6 plays
2:101st & 10 at own 35#97 C.Carlson kickoff 63 yards to the MSU02 #3 A.Evans III return 16 yards to the MSU18 (#41 K.Townes) PENALTY MSU UNS: Unsportsmanlike Conduct (#3 A.Evans III) 9 yards from MSU18 to MSU09
2:101st & 10 at own 9Shotgun #1 K.Taylor pass complete short left to #3 A.Evans III caught at MSU06, for 12 yards to the MSU21 (#5 D.Patterson), 1ST DOWN
2:001st & 10 at own 9Timeout Mississippi State, clock 02:00
1:521st & 10 at own 21Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush middle for 11 yards gain to the MSU32 (#20 L.Webb Jr.), 1ST DOWN. The previous play is under automatic review - “Runner was down by contact”. CALL OVERTURNED. (Original Play: Shotgun #1 K.Taylor rush middle for 8 yards gain to the MSU29 fumbled by #1 K.Taylor at MSU32 forced by #20 L.Webb Jr. recovered by Deacs #21 A.Hall at MSU29, End Of Play)
1:521st & 10 at own 32Shotgun #17 L.Kromenhoek pass incomplete short right to #22 X.Gayten thrown to MSU35 QB hurried by #11 L.Hardy
1:522nd & 10 at own 32Shotgun #17 L.Kromenhoek pass complete short right to #13 S.Magee caught at MSU37, for 5 yards to the MSU37 (#3 K.Prunty)
1:523rd & 5 at own 37No Huddle-Shotgun #17 L.Kromenhoek pass incomplete short left to #11 A.Williams thrown to MSU49
1:024th & 5 at own 37No Huddle-Shotgun #17 L.Kromenhoek sacked for loss of 5 yards to the MSU32 (#3 K.Prunty), TURNOVER ON DOWNS
Wake Forest End of game, 2 plays
1:021st & 10 at opp 32Kneel down by #2 R.Ashford at MSU33 for loss of 1 yard
1:022nd & 11 at opp 33Kneel down by #2 R.Ashford at MSU34 for loss of 1 yard

Play-by-play from CollegeFootballData.com, as its scorers wrote it. The clock is the time left in the quarter; the spot is from the side of the team with the ball.

Tied 1–⁠1 in two meetings.

Recent meetings
2025Wake Forest 43, Mississippi State 29Duke’s Mayo Bowl
2011Mississippi State 23, Wake Forest 17Music City Bowl

Around this game