The Ole Miss Rebels and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons are set for an exciting non-conference showdown on September 14, 2024, at Truist Field in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Both teams have started the season with high expectations, and this game presents a significant opportunity for each to prove their worth on the national stage. Ole Miss, led by head coach Lane Kiffin, comes into the game with a 1-1 record, having shown both promise and vulnerability. The Rebels’ offense, led by quarterback Jaxson Dart, has been explosive, averaging 41 points per game through their first two contests. Dart has thrown for 692 yards and seven touchdowns with just one interception, displaying his ability to stretch the field and make plays with his legs as well.

Wake Forest, under head coach Dave Clawson, has also started strong with a 2-0 record, showing balance on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Mitch Griffis has been effective, passing for 568 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions. Running back Justice Ellison has complemented the passing game with 218 rushing yards and three touchdowns, providing a dual-threat capability that has kept defenses on their heels. The Demon Deacons’ defense, while allowing 24 points per game, has been opportunistic, forcing turnovers at key moments to swing the momentum in their favor. The key to this game will be whether Ole Miss can exploit Wake Forest’s defense through the air and whether Wake Forest can control the tempo with a balanced attack. If Ole Miss can maintain their offensive rhythm and limit turnovers, they have a strong chance of covering the spread. However, Wake Forest’s home-field advantage and resilience as an underdog could make this a closer game than expected.