Manny Diaz: Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart the kind of QB that gives defenses nightmares
Ole Miss has three weeks before it plays Duke in the Gator Bowl — an eternity in college football.
But as of Tuesday Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin said the Rebels weren’t anticipating many, if any, opt-outs. There wasn’t even a question with star quarterback Jaxson Dart.
“It’s who he is. When I asked him, he didn’t even blink. ‘Of course I’m playing.’ It’s just who he is,” Kiffin said. “Unbelievable leader, teammate and friend to these guys. I think of him as like another son to me. He’s just been awesome — to see him grow and how he treats people. He’s amazing. I’m really proud of him.”
Duke was dealt a blow with the news starting quarterback Maalik Murphy is in the transfer portal. He’s already told ESPN he isn’t playing.
The Blue Devils should be pretty much whole (Murphy withstanding) come kickoff on January 2, 2025, according to Diaz. Duke (9-3, 5-3 ACC) takes on Ole Miss (9-3, 5-3 SEC) at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.
“We expect our guys to play,” Diaz said. “We haven’t heard anyone that sounds like they would not play. Our guys are excited about playing with and for each other. We’ll get back on the field end of the week and go from there.”
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RELATED: Jaxson Dart has dream ending at Ole Miss in final home game with Egg Bowl win
Dart this season passed Eli Manning to become the new Ole Miss all-time passing leader.
He’s second in career touchdowns (68). Dart is on the cusp of passing Matt Corral for the single-season record for yards per pass attempt. Dart’s at 10.7. Corral averaged 10.2. Dart is fourth in the nation in passing yards (3,875).
Duke won three straight games to close out the regular season. The Blue Devils tied for third in the nation in sacks (40). They’re second nationally behind Ole Miss in tackles for loss (110).
“I was a curious observer last year when Penn State was playing Ole Miss in (last year’s Peach Bowl),” Diaz said. “It was weird watching that game on TV and to watch his ability to execute at a high level against a very, very talented defense through the air and with his feet. That’s always the greatest stress point on a defense — if a quarterback can beat you with his arm when you are playing tight coverage and also has the ability to make plays either scrambling to throw or scrambling to run with his feet. Plus, designed quarterback run plays.
“Guys like that are the ones that give defensive coordinators nightmares. You add the experience and intangibles of who he is, teams and offenses usually respond to leaders like that. Looks like why they’ve had the success that they’ve had.”
