Head coach Manny Diaz is aiming to put a positive close on his inaugural season at Duke by winning the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. However, at the half, the Blue Devils are struggling, trailing 24-7 against Ole Miss.

Game Highlights

Injury Impact: The Blue Devils began the game without their regular starting quarterback, Maalik Murphy, and running back, Star Thomas, both of whom entered the transfer portal prior to the match. Henry Belin IV stepped in as quarterback, and while he showed moments of promise, he concluded the half with 114 yards and a touchdown pass to Javon Harvey.

Strategic Plays: Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin showcased his distinct play-calling style from the very beginning. In an attempt to shake up Duke’s defense, Kiffin opted for a trick play that resulted in an intercepted pass by Duke’s Terry Moore. Despite that initial setback, Ole Miss quickly regained momentum, with senior quarterback Jaxson Dart leading a swift 68-yard scoring drive, culminating in a touchdown pass to Juice Wells.

Quarterback Duel: Dart, who aims for a notable finish to his collegiate career, threw for a commanding 250 yards in the first half, marking a standout performance against Duke’s defenses. His efficiency on the field helped Ole Miss rack up a total of 340 offensive yards compared to Duke’s 130.

Duke’s Defense Struggles: Initially strong, the Blue Devils’ defense began to falter, particularly in tackling, as Ole Miss exploited gaps, leading to multiple touchdown drives. Duke’s inability to maintain defensive pressure allowed Ole Miss to capitalize consistently.

Key Statistics

Possession: Ole Miss dominated possession in the first half, showcasing a strong offensive strategy paired with an aggressive defensive game plan. By the end of the first quarter, Ole Miss had retained control for 10:16, outpacing Duke significantly.

Turnovers: The Blue Devils’ defense nearly forced a pivotal turnover, but a dropped interception by linebacker Alex Howard denied Duke a chance to shift momentum. Conversely, an interception returned by Isaiah Hamilton in the third quarter allowed the Rebels to extend their lead further.

Conclusion

As the teams head into the fourth quarter, Ole Miss leads 31-7, with Dart showcasing remarkable resilience and skill. The next quarter will reveal whether Duke can recover from their struggles and reclaim momentum.

For real-time updates and game outcomes, stay tuned.