The 2025 Gator Bowl will kick off from EverBank Stadium tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET. With the Rebels laying 17 points against the Blue Devils, what’s the best bet in Thursday night’s Duke vs. Ole Miss matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Duke Blue Devils (+17) at Ole Miss Rebels (-17); o/u 51
8:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, January 2, 2025
EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
TV: ESPN
Duke vs. Ole Miss Gator Bowl Public Betting: Bettors Love Rebels
As of this writing, our CFB Public Betting page shows that 74% of bets are on Ole Miss. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.
Duke loses top RB to transfer portal
Star Thomas has announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal, Pete Nakos of On3.com reports. Thomas will depart from Duke this offseason after spending one season with the Blue Devils. The 6-foot senior tallied 213 carries for 871 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground, along with 20 receptions for 153 yards and one touchdown through the air. It is unclear if Thomas intends to compete in Duke’s bowl game against Mississippi on Jan. 2, but he will be a hot commodity in the transfer portal regardless.
Dart declares for draft, but will play in bowl
Jaxson Dart has announced, via his personal Twitter account, that he will play in the Gator Bowl before starting his preparation for the NFL Draft. Dart will lead Mississippi under center one final time as the Rebels take on the Blue Devils in the Gator Bowl on Jan. 2. The 6-foot-2 senior quarterback has thrown for 3,875 yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions across 12 games this season, adding on 452 yards and four scores with his legs. Dart is sure to emerge as one of the top quarterback prospects in the NFL Draft this spring, but he will look to put a final exclamation mark on his season against Duke.
Duke vs. Ole Miss Gator Bowl Betting Trends
Duke is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Duke is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Mississippi’s last 11 games
Mississippi is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games
Duke vs. Ole Miss Gator Bowl Prediction
Take Duke. I know Lane Kiffin is out to prove to the world that the SEC is the only conference that should exist. I also know the ACC has had their issues this bowl season. But 17 points? With a Duke team that is 8-3-1 ATS this season and is as pesky as they come? Sign. Me. Up.
I like backing teams that play defense. Call me crazy. This Duke team is not dynamic offensively, but the Blue Devils can ‘D’ up. They also make plenty of plays on special teams and are among the best in the nation in generating sacks and tackles for loss.
I also wonder if Dart will even play the second half. Remember, Cam Ward played for Miami…for a half. He led the ‘Canes to a 31-28 lead over Iowa State at halftime, then watched from the sidelines as the Cyclones rallied for a 42-41 victory. I could see a similar situation playing out tonight with Dart.
Duke vs. Ole Miss Gator Bowl Prediction: Duke Blue Devils +17