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Jaxson Dart Throws Four TDs as Ole Miss Beats Duke 52-20 in Gator Bowl, Achieves Back-to-Back 10-Win Seasons

Jan 3, 2025, 03:15 AM

No. 14 Ole Miss defeated Duke 52-20 in the Gator Bowl on Thursday, achieving its second consecutive 10-win season. Quarterback Jaxson Dart led the Rebels with a standout performance in his final college game, breaking multiple school records and cementing his place among the program's all-time greats. Dart completed 22 of 29 passes in the first half for 250 yards and two touchdowns, adding 46 rushing yards. He finished the game with over 325 passing yards, four touchdown passes, and surpassed 40 rushing yards. During the game, Dart set the Ole Miss single-season passing yardage record and total offense record, overtaking former record holder Chad Kelly. He also became one of only four quarterbacks in SEC history to accumulate at least 12,000 total yards. Dart connected with wide receiver Jordan Watkins on a notable 51-yard pass and later a 69-yard touchdown with 1:27 remaining in the game. Watkins scored two touchdowns in total. The Rebels' defense contributed with a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown by Isaiah Hamilton, marking the team's first pick-six since 2021. Ole Miss dominated early, leading 14-0 after the first quarter, 24-7 at halftime, and extending the lead to 38-7 by the end of the third quarter. The victory marks the third 10-win season in four years for Ole Miss under head coach Lane Kiffin. Dart concluded his college career with 10,617 passing yards, 1,498 rushing yards, and 84 total touchdowns.