The Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-7) face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-4) in the Duke's Mayo Bowl Friday night. As is always the case now with bowl games, both squads will be without key players thanks to opt-outs and the Transfer Portal.
Mississippi State Bulldogs Mayo Bowl opt-outs and injury report
Mississippi State will be without one of its best defenders, as S Isaac Smith will miss the Mayo Bowl due to offseason surgery. How the Bulldogs choose to handle his "box safety/hybrid linebacker" role will be interesting, as Smith's backup, Tony Mitchell, has entered the Transfer Portal.