Lane Kiffin explains starting Jaxson Dart over Spencer Sanders

There is no OR on the depth chart anymore in Oxford, Miss., as Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin has put Jaxson Dart as the lone starter on the team’s depth chart over Spencer Sanders.

Dart started the first game of the year while Sanders played some in relief as well — as did third-string quarterback Walker Howard. Both players dominated an overwhelmed Mercer team but Kiffin decide to label Dart as the lone starter ahead of Tulane.

Kiffin explained that decision to the media Monday during his press conference.

“Jaxson played really well,” Kiffin said. “Like I’ve said, had a really good camp in spring and so he’s the starting quarterback. Said all along, we’re extremely excited about that room, that depth in the room. Walker came in, played really well, made some really good throws in the game too. I always say, in the team, each position group is its team within itself. Our goal is each year to improve that in the offseason. That position has been dramatically improved. Like you saw the play from all three guys that went in.”

Dart was 18 of 23 in the 73-7 victory over the Bears this past weekend at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, throwing for 334 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions. It was exactly what he could have hoped for against an easier opening week opponent.

Sanders, who transferred in from Oklahoma State during the offseason after multiple years starting for the Cowboys, was also great to the tune of 134 yards and two touchdowns on 8-for-14 throwing the football. Howard was 3-for-4 with 56 passing yards.

Dart, who was the starting quarterback for every game last season, talked after the victory about earning the starting role and the competition that it took to get there. He said that his mindset was that he was going to be the starter.

“I think it kind of just comes back to controlling what I can control,” Dart said. “There may be times where I disagree with something here and there, but at the end of the day, he’s the head coach and he makes the calls around here and he’s going to put us in the best chance to succeed. And I think that’s all that you can really ask for as a player…Going forward, I’m confident in my role, what is expected of me and I’m gonna do my job each and every week.”