Jaxson Dart concluded his college career with an impressive performance, throwing for 404 yards and four touchdowns in a dominant 52-20 victory for the No. 14 Ole Miss Rebels over the Duke Blue Devils in the Gator Bowl. This decisive win not only capped off his final game in style but also marked a historic achievement for the Rebels, as they recorded back-to-back seasons with double-digit wins for the first time since 1959-60.
During the game held at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Dart connected with Jordan Watkins for seven receptions totaling 180 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing a remarkable chemistry on the field. However, Dart faced some playful reprimanding from head coach Lane Kiffin following a 69-yard passing play on his final throw, which Kiffin deemed unnecessary. “I love him except for the last play when he checks to a pass play he’s not supposed to do,” Kiffin commented.
Moreover, senior running back Ulysses Bentley IV contributed significantly with 70 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Rebels had a thrilling day with interceptions and even celebrated scores with basketball-style dunks on the sideline.
Duke’s performance was hampered as they were missing key players due to transfers, which limited their offensive capabilities. Third-string quarterback Henry Belin IV had a challenging outing, completing 25 of 44 passes for 236 yards, but managed to throw two touchdowns amid heavy pressure from Ole Miss’ defense.
Despite the loss, Duke’s head coach Manny Diaz noted the bright side, focusing on the team’s development and the potential of incoming players.
The field conditions also played a role in the game. The turf at EverBank Stadium was less than ideal, having been affected by a recent NFL game just days prior.
As both teams look forward to the future, Ole Miss will transition to highly regarded left-handed quarterback Austin Simmons, who spent the last two years learning from Dart, while Duke awaits former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah, expected to bring significant talent and funding to the program through NIL deals.
Summary: Jaxson Dart excelled in his final game for Ole Miss, leading the team to a 52-20 victory over Duke in the Gator Bowl. His stellar 404-yard performance included four touchdowns, contributing to the team’s historic back-to-back double-digit win seasons. Both teams have promising futures ahead as they prepare for the next season with new talent.
In an uplifting conclusion, this victory and Dart’s achievements serve as a reminder of the hard work and dedication of collegiate athletes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and personal growth in sports. The exciting potential for both programs moving forward fills fans with hope for the seasons to come.