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 reprimand 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. However, Kiffin was unhappy with Dart’s choice to pass that was not part of the game plan. “I like him except for the last play where he makes a pass he’s not supposed to make,” Kiffin remarked. “He needs to learn the course there a little better.”
In addition to his aerial assault, Dart contributed with 43 yards on the ground, leaving EverBank Stadium marred 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 win not only gives Ole Miss a double-digit win total for the second year in a row, but also marks a major milestone in program history, the first time this has happened since the 1959-60 seasons.
“This place changed my life,” Dart said after the game. “It was the best decision I made. The relationships I have 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 failed to live up to 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 significant void in their offensive lineup.
With third-year sophomore Henry Belin IV making just 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 relentless defensive attack. He was also sacked three times, leaving little time left in his 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 lateral.
Ole Miss had a moment of miscommunication when Kiffin called a trap 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 who played a spectacular game,” noted Duke coach Manny Diaz.
What to remember
DUC : The Blue Devils aren’t going to lose any sleep over this loss, but instead are focusing on strengthening their roster with upcoming transfers as Belin gains more experience.
OLE MISSING: The Rebels’ commitment to the bowl game 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 senior 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 to kick an extra point.
Sol I used
The field at EverBank Stadium was certainly not in optimal condition, resembling more of a community sandlot than a professional arena, after the NFL game hosted a few days prior. Cool temperatures overnight 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 on a two-year, $8 million contract.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss will welcome back promising left-handed QB Austin Simmons, a redshirt freshman from Miami, who has taken full advantage of his time watching and learning Dart over the past two seasons.
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