2024 FB Bowl Watch

Duke and Ole Miss have two common opponents: MTSU and Wake Forest.

Ole Miss 52, MTSU 3 / Duke 45, MTSU 17
Ole Miss 40, Wake Forest 6 / Duke 23, Wake Forest 17
 
I don't think it makes a huge difference unless you get to the CFP. So Clemson and SMU get a bonus, especially SMU as they do get money from the CFP bonus vs. not getting anything from the regular ACC payment schemes.
Clarification: SMU $0 and Stanford/Cal partial is TV $ only. They share in all other conference revenues.
 
The Gator was the top bowl after the big 4 for decades. It’s still in that tier. Only recent bowl game this big for Duke was nearly a decade ago vs Texas A&M, which was best bowl for us since 1960 (Cotton vs Arkansas, won 7-6).
Are we going to apologize for declining their invite when we were too high and mighty for them in the ‘60s? I’m pretty sure it was the Gator we declined?
 
The Gator was the top bowl after the big 4 for decades. It’s still in that tier. Only recent bowl game this big for Duke was nearly a decade ago vs Texas A&M, which was best bowl for us since 1960 (Cotton vs Arkansas, won 7-6).
As I recall, the Gator was the New Year's Eve bowl, and the other 4 were all New Year's Day. Hard to believe there were only 5 bowls back then.
 
Mississippi seems to rate a higher-ranked opponent, at least to me. Do you think this selection represents a bit of a dig at them from the bowl committee?
Could be. May also reflect the fact that their enrollment and fan base is smaller than those of the many other SEC schools. But I doubt anyone involved in CFB goes out of their way to do Lane Kiffin any favors.
 
That would have been epic! Too bad we won’t play A&M
I saw both TAMU and Ole Miss play against the Gators at the Swamp this season. Either of those teams would be favored over Duke; but assuming no significant opt-outs, I think Ole Miss poses the more difficult matchup for the Blue Devils. The Rebels beat highly ranked Georgia and South Carolina with a stout defense that gives up an average of only 14 points per game. Kiffin is a great offensive schemer/play-caller with a QB in Dart who can make all the throws to a trio of talented receivers with great accuracy. And they don't turn the ball over a lot. A win over Ole Miss would be an achievement worthy of celebration, and would certainly enhance the profile of Duke football going forward.
 
Back
Top