In the Gator Bowl, the Duke Blue Devils took on the Ole Miss Rebels. The Rebels were led to a resounding 52-20 victory by Jaxson Dart. He completed 44 percent of his passes for 414 yards and four scores. With several important players out with injuries, Duke struggled, while Ole Miss displayed a potent offence and nimble defense.
Key Match Statistics
| Category | Ole Miss Rebels | Duke Blue Devils |
|---|---|---|
| Time of Possession | 29:58 | 30:02 |
| Total Yards | 589 | 280 |
| Yards Per Play | 8.4 | 4.1 |
| Passing Yards | 438 | 236 |
| Rushing Yards | 151 | 44 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 6/11 | 6/17 |
| Fourth Down Efficiency | 1/2 | 2/5 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
Source: Official Gator Bowl Stats.
A Revolutionary Show by Jaxson Dart
The performance that Jaxson Dart gave was second to none. As the team’s quarterback, he led the attack with 404 passing yards and four scores. He had 43 yards on the ground as well. The success of Ole Miss was greatly influenced by his leadership and abilities. Despite Coach Kiffin’s criticism, Dart’s late touchdown demonstrated his playmaking prowess.
The Offense of the Rebels Devastates the Blue Devils
On offense, Ole Miss was superior over Duke. With an average of 8.4 yards per play, they amassed 589 yards in the game. Two touchdowns and seventy yards on the ground were accounted for by running back Ulysses Bentley IV. Jordan Watkins scored twice on seven receptions for 180 yards.
Duke’s Battles
Duke encountered difficulties as a result of player absences. Henry Belin IV, their quarterback, threw for 236 yards and 25 completions out of 44 attempts. Despite throwing for two touchdowns, he was never supported consistently. Running the ball only managed 44 yards for Duke, which made it tough for them to mount sustained drives against Ole Miss’s defense.
Highlights from the Defense
The defensive play of Ole Miss was crucial. In the third quarter, Isaiah Hamilton scored a touchdown after returning an interception 50 yards. Despite throwing for two touchdowns, Duke was unable to break free of the defensive pressure. The defense of Ole Miss was a constant threat to Duke’s flow.
Reserve Squads Be radiant
An outstanding play came from Duke’s Sahmir Hagans, who returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. They had one strong point in the play. On the other hand, Ole Miss kept the ball in their possession and made few mistakes on special teams.
A Field in Disarray
There was a lot of damage to the EverBank Stadium field. The grass is uneven and torn up from recent NFL games. Although both sides adapted to the uneven ground, it only served to heighten the intensity of an already intense match.
Player Highlights
| Player | Team | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Jaxson Dart | Ole Miss | 404 passing yards, 4 TDs |
| Jordan Watkins | Ole Miss | 180 receiving yards, 2 TDs |
| Ulysses Bentley IV | Ole Miss | 70 rushing yards, 2 TDs |
| Henry Belin IV | Duke | 236 passing yards, 2 TDs |
| Sahmir Hagans | Duke | 99-yard kickoff return, 1 TD |
Shapers of the Past
For the first time since 1959–60, Ole Miss was able to record consecutive 10-win seasons. Under Coach Lane Kiffin, they have consistently performed admirably. This extraordinary achievement was greatly assisted by players such as Dart and Bentley.
Duke’s Hopes for the Future
Duke continues to look forward optimistically, despite the loss. Fresh optimism has arrived with the signing of quarterback Darian Mensah, who transferred from Tulane. With the help of significant NIL funds, the Blue Devils have added Mensah with the hopes of bolstering their offense for the upcoming season.
Ole Miss: What Comes Next?
In the upcoming season, Ole Miss will depend on Austin Simmons, a redshirt freshman. Simmons is widely anticipated to assume the role after training for two years with Dart. As Ole Miss seeks to maintain their winning streak, his performance is essential.
FAQs
- Who won the Gator Bowl between Ole Miss and Duke?
Ole Miss defeated Duke 52-20. - How did Jaxson Dart perform in the game?
Dart threw for 404 yards, scored four touchdowns, and rushed for 43 yards. - What were Duke’s key struggles?
Duke struggled with missing players and limited offensive support. - Who had the standout defensive play for Ole Miss?
Isaiah Hamilton returned an interception for a 50-yard touchdown. - What is next for Duke’s football team?
Duke looks forward to the arrival of quarterback Darian Mensah from Tulane. - What are Ole Miss’s plans for the future?
Redshirt freshman Austin Simmons will step in as quarterback next season.
