What's at stake in the Gator Bowl between No. 16 Ole Miss and Duke?

The Gator Bowl is on Thursday, January 2, 2025, in sunny Jacksonville, Florida.

No.16 Ole Miss and its 9-3 record arrive at Thursday’s matchup as the highest-ranked team at the Gator Bowl since No. 12 West Virginia in 2006. The Duke Blue Devils also arrive in Jacksonville with a 9-3 record and as first-time attendees at the Gator Bowl.

So, what’s really at stake in Thursday’s head-to-head?

For Ole Miss, there’s a chance to end the season with 10 wins. If it walks away with the victory, it would be the third time during Lane Kiffin’s tenure that the program has reached double-digit victories.

For Duke, coach Manny Diaz has a chance to make history. A win would give the Blue Devils their second-ever 10-win season in program history. 

The Gator Bowl should allow fans to see a top offense against a formidable defense. Ole Miss averages a whopping 37.5 points per game, while Duke typically allows only 22.2 points per matchup.