Par Mark Long, Associated Press
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jaxson Dart left a lasting impression in his final college outing, capping his career at Ole Miss with a spectacular 69-yard touchdown pass that likely earned him a scolding from coach Lane Kiffin on the sideline .
Dart lit up the scoreboard, throwing for 404 yards and four touchdowns, leading the 16th-ranked Rebels to an emphatic 52-20 triumph over Duke in the Gator Bowl on Thursday night.
The superstar quarterback had a remarkable connection with Jordan Watkins, who recorded seven receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns, adding a play to the highlight list with just 1:27 left in the game. However, Kiffin was not happy with Dart’s choice to switch to a pass that was not part of the game plan. “I like him except for the last play where he switches to a pass that he is not supposed to do,” Kiffin remarked. “He needs to learn the class a little better there.”
In addition to his aerial assault, Dart chipped in with 43 yards rushing, leaving EverBank Stadium scarred with grass and dirt on his signature red and white uniform.
The senior had no intention of remaining on the bench for the bowl game, opting to lead his team to a historic victory. The victory not only gives Ole Miss a double-digit win total for the second year in a row, but also marks a significant milestone in program history, the first time this has happened since the 1959-60 seasons.
“This place changed my life,” Dart reflected after the game. “It was the best decision I’ve made. Just the relationships I’ve made with everyone here will last a lifetime.”
In another farewell performance, senior Ulysses Bentley IV ran for 70 yards and found the end zone twice for the Rebels. Early in the third quarter, Isaiah Hamilton showed off his skills by returning an interception 50 yards for a touchdown, with celebrations including dunks on a portable basketball hoop adorned with Duke logos.
The long-awaited ACC-SEC matchup fell short of expectations, with the Rebels entering the game as heavy 17.5-point favorites, primarily due to the absence of key players at Duke. Quarterback Maalik Murphy and running back Star Thomas opted to enter the transfer portal after the Blue Devils’ final regular season game, leaving a sizable void in their offensive lineup.
With third-year sophomore Henry Belin IV making only his second career start, he was under immense pressure throughout the game, completing 25 of 44 passes for 236 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a defensive attack implacable. He was also sacked three times, showing little time in the pocket.
-Belin’s touchdown passes were two of the few bright spots for Duke, with another highlight being a 99-yard kickoff return by Sahmir Hagans on a cross-field lateral.
Ole Miss did have a moment of miscommunication when Kiffin called a trick play on a fourth down, resulting in kicker Caden Davis’ pass being intercepted in the end zone. Dart quickly returned to the field, taking almost every snap after that mistake.
“What stood out today was a special quarterback playing a spectacular game,” Duke coach Manny Diaz noted.
What to remember
DUKE : The Blue Devils aren’t going to lose any sleep over this loss, instead focusing on strengthening their roster with upcoming transfers as Belin gains more experience.
OLE MISS : The Rebels’ bowl game commitment underscores their respect for Dart and Kiffin, with key players like cornerback Jadon Canady and right tackle Micah Pettus entering the transfer portal, while linebacker and leading tackle Chris Paul Jr. . chose to retire to prepare for the NFL draft.
Key injuries
Duke cornerback Terry Moore, who threw an interception on the trick play, was escorted to the locker room in the first half. Ole Miss offensive end Eli Acker also left the game after injuring his knee while attempting an extra point.
Worn ground
The field at EverBank Stadium was certainly not in optimal condition, looking more like a community sandlot than a professional arena, after the NFL game hosted a few days prior. Cool overnight temperatures also contributed to less than ideal turf conditions.
Future
Duke is turning its attention to the arrival of former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah, apparently secured with a two-year, $8 million NIL contract.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss will welcome promising left-handed QB Austin Simmons, a redshirt freshman from Miami, who has taken full advantage of his time observing and learning from Dart over the past two seasons.
