Wake Forest missed out on an opportunity to play in a football game in Charlotte sponsored by Duke’s Mayonnaise during the regular season when its scheduled matchup against Notre Dame was canceled because of COVID-19 issues.
Sunday, the Deacons got another shot at playing a team from the Midwest at Bank of America Stadium when they accepted a bid to the newly renamed Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
The game will be against Wisconsin and played on Wednesday, Dec. 30 with a noon kickoff.
Coach Dave Clawson’s team will be making its school-record fifth consecutive postseason appearance and will be playing in the game formerly known as the Belk Bowl for the third time.
“I’m excited for our student-athletes who have put in a tremendous amount of hard work since they returned to campus in July,” Clawson said. “Playing in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl bowl will be an excellent opportunity for our program as we play an outstanding opponent in Wisconsin. It will be a great trip for our players and I am proud of the season we have had to this point that earned us this additional opportunity to compete.”
Wake finished the regular season at 4-4. It had several games either rescheduled or canceled because of the coronavirus, including Saturday’s Senior Day contest against Florida State. The Deacons have played only once since Nov. 21.
Wisconsin (3-3) will be making its 19th straight bowl trip. The Badgers broke a three-game losing streak by beating Minnesota 20-17 in overtime on Saturday.
Because of state COVID-19 restrictions, only a limited number of fans will be able to attend the game in person.
“Our football team is excited and hungry for an opportunity to compete against Wisconsin and play in Bank of America Stadium,” Wake athletic director John Currie said. “While all of Deacon Nation cannot be with us in the Queen City, I am excited to see our loyal fans support our players virtually and on social media leading up to and during the game.”
