Lane Kiffin credits Ole Miss for strong start despite "dead environment' in Gator Bowl

Ole Miss put on a show in the first half against Duke. Unfortunately, there weren’t many fans in the audience to appreciate it. The Rebels lead Duke 24-7 at the half of a quiet Gator Bowl. Before heading into the locker room, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin evaluated his team’s first-half performance.

“I think Jaxson [Dart] has played really well. I thought our defense played really well outside of the one series. Proud of how we started in a kind of dead environment,” Kiffin said. “Our guys responded really well to the challenge, but we lot left to play here. We need to come out really physical in the second half.”

Despite the lack of a crowd in EverBank Stadium, Ole Miss’ offense played with an unmatched urgency in the first half. Quarterback Jaxson Dart completed 22-of-his-29 pass attempts for 250 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception.

His arm wasn’t his only threat. He also led the Rebels in the ground game in the first half, racking up 46 rushing yards on seven carries. Wide receiver Dae’Quan Wright was a standout in the first half as well, tallying a team-high 73 receiving yards and a TD on just three catches.

Of course, Ole Miss’ offense wasn’t the Rebels’ sole reason for their success. Ole Miss’ defense was also stellar, holding the Blue Devils to just 130 total yards of offense in the first half. The Rebels’ run defense was particularly excellent, only giving up 16 rushing yards.

Now, Ole Miss will look to extend its lead in the second half. With a win, Ole Miss will secure its second-straight season of finishing with 10 or more wins.

Lane Kiffin gives Jaxson Dart his flowers

Whether it be the preseason or halftime of the Gator Bowl, Lane Kiffin never misses a chance to compliment Jaxson Dart. The pregame press conference this week was no different. On Wednesday, Kiffin raved about his senior QB.

“Jaxson has been an amazing leader to come in over the three years, set a bunch of school records, I think most wins and most yards and those things,” Kiffin said. “But his impact and his legacy that he leaves in the younger players is amazing, and the younger quarterbacks.

“He’s been great. I think a lot of these games, non-playoff games, we see so many players opt out of playing that are going to be draft picks, and I think for him to come out right away and saying he’s playing impacted a lot of our other players. I think a lot of times nowadays would have opted out to prepare for the draft. He’s amazing.”