Lane Kiffin breaks down Jaxson Dart's growth in 2023 season

Lane Kiffin loved what he saw from Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart during the 2023 season.

Speaking with the media following the Rebels’ 17-7 win over Mississippi State, Kiffin broke down Dart’s play against the Bulldogs, a game where Ole Miss clinched double-digit wins.

“Really well. I think he had the big passing games early and stuff,” said Kiffin, regarding Dart’s play. “I think that not having some linemen helped some different protection issues. And then we’ve got to work on calling plays a little different, especially against that defense.”

Additionally, Kiffin pointed out Dart’s leadership skills and toughness as two areas where the quarterback has really excelled in 2023.

“I think his leadership skills and his toughness can’t be questioned,” added Kiffin. “I mean you saw the hit he took – he’s going back in there before you can get him to not go in. You don’t even have a choice to hold him out.”

So what’s next for Kiffin and Dart? A New Year’s Six bowl is on the table. Kiffin made his pitch following Ole Miss’ win in Starkville. He didn’t make a long one, though, as he knows it’s going to hold little weight to the committee.

“I’m not going to go on a very long one. Because, one, I call all my coach buddies and it doesn’t work. They all do it and they start at, like, midseason,” Kiffin said. “They’re not going to listen to me and say, ‘Oh! That’s a good point that Coach Kiffin made – we’re going to move them up! Put them in the New Year’s Six!’”

Moreover, Kiffin’s reasoning is focused on Ole Miss’ two losses. Winning double-digit games is quite the accomplishment that they posted in Oxford this season.

Even so, it’s the fact their two losses came against their conference’s best and two of the nation’s, specifically on the road, why he believes their resume is as good as anyone else’s that’s under consideration.

“I think this one’s a pretty good argument where you went 10-2, super hard schedule,” explained Kiffin. “Even your non-conference? People, for the most part, played well. But your two losses are at Alabama and Georgia – the two going to the SEC (Championship), playing as well as anybody in the country, at their places.

“I’d like to see the other 10-2 people end up 10-2. I would doubt their losses are going to be harder ones than those two places to play. Georgia is about 30-0 in their last 30 games. And Alabama has lost two in their – whatever it has been – last 52 home games. Analytics? That has got to be the two hardest place to win right now.”

Regardless, Jaxson Dart has proved he belongs over the last two seasons, and it’s evident Lane Kiffin and the quarterback are a match made in heaven.