In a decisive Gator Bowl matchup, Jaxson Dart concluded his college football journey with an impressive display of skill, leading Ole Miss to a resounding 52-20 victory over Duke. Dart, who threw for 404 yards and four touchdowns, was instrumental in securing Ole Miss’ second consecutive double-digit win season.
In his final start for Ole Miss, senior quarterback Jaxson Dart showcased his prowess by establishing a strong connection with teammate Jordan Watkins, who received seven passes totaling 180 yards and two touchdowns. One of these passes, a striking 69-yard touchdown late in the game, became a moment of contention as it drew the critique of Coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin expressed his frustration, remarking, ‘I love him except for the last play when he checks to a pass play he’s not supposed to do.’ Yet, Dart’s overall performance on the field remained undiminished, leading Ole Miss to a dominant win.
Dart chose to participate in the bowl game, citing the importance of team history and relationships developed at Ole Miss, essential factors that motivated his decision. The team, filled with seniors like Ulysses Bentley IV, replicated this sentiment, contributing significantly with Bentley running for 70 yards and two touchdowns.
The game itself reflected Ole Miss’ dominance from the start, a 17.5-point favorite as per BetMGM, enhanced further by Duke’s absence of key players Maalik Murphy and Star Thomas, who had already left for the transfer portal. Henry Belin IV, stepping in for Duke, completed 25 of 44 passes for 236 yards, but was overwhelmed by Ole Miss’ defense, who sacked him three times.
Ole Miss’ Isaiah Hamilton further sealed the fate of Duke with a pivotal interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter. On Duke’s side, Sahmir Hagans provided a brief spark with an impressive 99-yard kickoff return, but it was insufficient against the relentless Rebels who had most starters on the field, a show of faith in Dart and Coach Kiffin’s leadership.
The game was not without its challenges. Ole Miss kicker Caden Davis threw an intercepted pass on a trick play, and players like Jadon Canady and Micah Pettus marked their participation by entering the transfer portal after the game. Additionally, injuries were part of the night’s action as Duke’s Terry Moore left due to injury, and Ole Miss’ Eli Acker suffered a knee injury during an extra point attempt.
Despite minor setbacks, the resilience shown by Ole Miss was evident throughout the game, played on a less than ideal field at EverBank Stadium, which had suffered wear and tear from an NFL game days prior and cold weather conditions.
As Ole Miss looks forward to the future under the potential leadership of Austin Simmons, a promising redshirt freshman, the legacy left by Dart will serve as a foundational example of commitment and performance. The win underscores the strength and preparedness of Ole Miss, setting a high standard for the seasons to come.
