Ole Miss and Duke Gear Up for a Gator Bowl Showdown

It’s almost game time in Jacksonville, and the Gator Bowl has plenty of storylines to make it a must-watch. No. 14 Ole Miss and Duke both roll in with 9-3 records, but they’ve taken very different paths to get here. One thing’s for sure: both teams are hungry to make a statement and finish the season strong.

Ole Miss: Ready to Prove the SEC Still Reigns

For Ole Miss, this game is about more than just a win—it’s a chance to hit 10 wins for the first time since 2021 and remind everyone why the SEC is king. Head coach Lane Kiffin hasn’t been shy about his feelings on conference superiority, and the Rebels are fully on board.

Players to Watch for Ole Miss:

• Jaxson Dart: The Rebels’ star QB has thrown for 3,875 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. With NFL scouts watching, this will be Dart’s last chance to shine before he starts prepping for the draft.
• Tre Harris: With 1,030 receiving yards and seven TDs, Harris has been a game-changer all year. However, he’s been battling injuries, so his availability could be key.

Let’s not forget, Ole Miss steamrolled Wake Forest earlier this season—one of the few opponents they have in common with Duke. That win, and some recent ACC drama, have added even more fuel to the fire for Kiffin and the Rebels.

Duke: Defying the Odds

Duke has been through the wringer this season. Between key players entering the transfer portal and a first-year head coach in Manny Diaz, things could have easily fallen apart. But instead, the Blue Devils have shown resilience, and a win here would be the perfect cap to an impressive season.

“You play to win the game and to maximize all your players’ strengths,” Diaz said.

Challenges for Duke:

• The team’s offense has taken some hits, with quarterback Maalik Murphy and leading rusher Star Thomas both entering the transfer portal.
• That leaves Henry Belin IV as the starting QB. While Belin has limited experience, he has a big opportunity to step up on a national stage.

Players to Watch for Duke:

• Eli Pancol: The senior receiver is wrapping up his college career in style, with a team-high nine touchdown catches this season.
• Chandler Rivers: The cornerback has been a force all year, racking up three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 7.5 tackles for loss.

Duke’s defense has been a standout, ranking second nationally in fumble recoveries and averaging 9.2 tackles for loss per game. If they can slow down Jaxson Dart and company, they’ll have a real shot.

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What to Watch For

Ole Miss

• Dart’s Finale: Can Jaxson Dart finish his college career with a bang? His performance could be the deciding factor.
• Tre Harris’ Health: If Harris is at full strength, he could be a game-changer for the Rebels’ offense.

Duke

• Belin’s Big Moment: Henry Belin IV faces a tough test, but if he can stay calm under pressure, Duke’s offense could surprise.
• Defensive Impact: With Chandler Rivers leading the way, Duke’s defense will need to make big plays to keep Ole Miss in check.

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Why You Should Watch

For Ole Miss, this is about proving the SEC is still the gold standard and giving their star players a proper sendoff. For Duke, it’s about overcoming adversity and pulling off an upset against a top-15 team.

With both teams motivated and some standout players ready to shine, the Gator Bowl has all the ingredients for an exciting matchup.

Don’t miss it—Ole Miss and Duke square off Thursday night in Jacksonville for what’s sure to be an epic battle!