As the New Year celebrations fade, college football fans are in for a treat with a lineup of high-stakes matchups that promise to keep us on the edge of our seats. Let's dive into the action-packed games set for January 2, 2026, where ranked teams clash, and every play counts.
Wake Forest vs Mississippi State: A Battle of Precision
In a game that could go down to the wire, #17 Wake Forest takes on Mississippi State in a showdown that has both teams looking to make a statement. Our GameSim prediction gives Wake Forest a razor-thin edge with a 50% win probability and a predicted final score of 28.8 to 28.5. This implies that every yard will matter.
Robby Ashford is expected to be the star for Wake Forest, with projections of 302.6 passing yards and 3.1 touchdowns, along with an additional 83 rushing yards. His ability to move the ball both in the air and on the ground will be crucial against a tough Mississippi State defense. On the other side, Blake Shapen will look to counter with 248.6 passing yards and 2.4 touchdowns. The team that executes better on critical downs will likely emerge victorious.
Navy vs Cincinnati: A Tactical Chess Match
When Navy visits #22 Cincinnati, both teams bring their unique strengths to the table. Navy’s ground game, led by Blake Horvath, who is projected to rush for 86.2 yards and pass for 209.2 yards, will face off against Cincinnati’s high-powered offense. Our GameSim model gives Cincinnati a 64% chance of coming out on top with a predicted score of 38.7 to 29.1.
Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby is expected to light up the field with 289.9 passing yards and 3.6 touchdowns. The Bearcats' balanced attack is complemented by the rushing duo of Evan Pryor and Tawee Walker, each slated for around 65 yards. Navy will need to control the clock and maintain possession to keep Cincinnati’s offense at bay.
Arizona vs SMU: Can SMU Upset the Odds?
Arizona is looking to solidify their ranking as they face SMU in what is predicted to be a more one-sided affair. Our GameSim prediction heavily favors Arizona with a 76% win probability and a projected score of 36.2 to 17.9.
Noah Fifita will lead Arizona with an expected performance of 290.9 passing yards and 2.9 touchdowns. Ismail Mahdi is also set to contribute significantly on the ground with 87.9 rushing yards. SMU's hopes rest on Kevin Jennings, who needs to outperform his projections of 269.6 passing yards and 1.8 touchdowns to keep the game competitive.
These matchups are not just about the numbers; they're about the narratives that unfold on the gridiron. For more detailed projected player stats across all games, consider joining GameSim+. Learn more and subscribe here to get an edge in your football insights.
