Wake Forest Beats Mississippi State 43-29 in Duke's Mayo Bowl

Wake Forest capped a resurgent season with a 43-29 victory over Mississippi State in the Duke's Mayo Bowl on Friday night at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Demon Deacons, who improved to 9-4 with the win, relied on standout performances from quarterback Robby Ashford and freshman playmakers to hold off a late rally by the Bulldogs, who finished 5-7.

The game began with Mississippi State striking first on a field goal, but Wake Forest responded immediately. True freshman Koredell Bartley, a defensive back from Greensboro, North Carolina, fielded the kickoff at the goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown, setting a Duke's Mayo Bowl record for the longest scoring play. The two-point conversion gave Wake Forest an 8-3 lead just 45 seconds into the contest. The Demon Deacons' defense, which limited Mississippi State to three field goals in the first half, preserved the advantage despite offensive struggles that included four punts, an interception by Ashford and six penalties for 50 yards.

Wake Forest added to its lead late in the first half when Ashford connected with junior tight end Kamrean Johnson for a 14-yard touchdown, Johnson's first...