Can Jaxson Dart lead Ole Miss to double-digit wins in back-to-back years for the first time since 1960?
The Rebels have a chance to do just that when they take on Duke in the Gator Bowl on Thursday night.
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WHO: Ole Miss vs. Duke
when: 8:00 PM ET, January 2, 2025
where: EverBank Stadium
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Jaxson Dart’s final college game comes in the Gator Bowl, with No. 16 Ole Miss facing Duke.
By MARK LONG AP Sports Writer
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) – Jaxson Dart never considered skipping the Ole Miss bowl game.
Not after the Rebels were eliminated from College Football Playoff contention, not after Dart announced he was leaving school early to enter the NFL draft.
Now the first-team all-Southeastern Conference quarterback will suit up for the 16th-ranked Rebels (9-3) one last time in the Gator Bowl against seemingly overmatched Duke (9-3) on Thursday at the night
“There was no doubt about it,” Dart said. “I didn’t even think about it for a second. I’m really excited to go compete with the boys one more time.”
Mississippi, which is trying to reach double-digit wins in back-to-back years for the second time in school history and the first time since 1959-60, is a 17 1/2 point favorite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The transfer portal had a lot to do with the line.
The Blue Devils, who won three straight to end the regular season, will be without two key starters: quarterback Maalik Murphy and running back Star Thomas. Murphy, Thomas and backup quarterback Grayson Loftis entered the portal.
Murphy set the Duke single-season record with 26 touchdown passes. Thomas led the team with 871 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. With Murphy and Loftis gone, Henry Belin IV will start. Belin completed his only pass this season and ran five times for 23 yards.
Belin won his only start, a 24-3 win against North Carolina State in 2023. He completed 4-of-12 passes for 107 yards, with two TDs and an interception.
“It’s a great lesson for everyone in the program that perseverance pays off,” Duke coach Manny Diaz said. “Now he has the opportunity to perform on an exceptional stage against a fantastic opponent.”
Ole Miss appeared to be a lock for the CFP before losing to Florida in late November. The Rebels are hoping for better results in their return to the Sunshine State, especially considering what’s at stake for the program.
“We have a chance to get 10 wins,” tight end Caden Prieskorn said. “A lot of us know it’s the last time we’ll ever put on an Ole Miss jersey.”
Dart’s Last Dance
Dart began his college journey in Southern California and landed with coach Lane Kiffin at Oxford as a sophomore in 2022. He has been a three-year starter for the Rebels who has thrown for 10,213 yards, 68 TDs and 22 INT. It has 12 quick scores.
Kiffin wasn’t surprised to see Dart finish the season in Jacksonville.
“He’s who he is, an incredible leader, teammate, friend to these guys,” Kiffin said. “I think of him as another son to me. He’s just been great. To see him grow up and see how people treat him, it’s amazing. I’m so proud of him.”
Other transfers and withdrawals
The Rebels won’t have more players than Duke, though not at top positions.
Cornerback Jadon Canady and right tackle Micah Pettus, both starters, stepped into the net. So did safety Louis Moore, right tackle Preston Cushman and third-string quarterback Walker Howard. The biggest loss might be linebacker Chris Paul Jr., who declared for the draft after racking up 88 tackles in 12 starts.
Gator Bowl history for Duke and Ole Miss
Duke is making its Gator Bowl debut while Ole Miss has previously played in the game three times, none more memorable than a 1971 matchup against Auburn in which Heisman Trophy runner-up Archie Manning played left-handed in a soft spread .
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The Associated Press contributed to this article