The Ole Miss Rebels Shine in the 2024 Gator Bowl, Defeating Duke 42-17
The 2024 Gator Bowl saw the Ole Miss Rebels put on a remarkable display of skill, resilience, and teamwork, trouncing the Duke Blue Devils by a dominant 42-17 score. It was a game that not only highlighted Ole Miss’ potent offensive attack but also showcased their defensive strength, special teams contributions, and overall depth. From start to finish, the Rebels were in control, delivering a well-rounded performance that left no doubt about their superiority on this day. This victory also capped off a successful season, marking a high point for head coach Lane Kiffin and his squad. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from the Rebels’ impressive win over the Blue Devils.
A Strong Start: Taking Control Early
Ole Miss wasted no time asserting their dominance, setting the tone for the entire game with an explosive opening drive. The Rebels marched down the field with ease, showcasing their balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, who had been solid throughout the season, delivered an efficient performance, orchestrating the offense with poise and precision. The combination of Dart’s sharp passing and a strong running game, led by star running back Quinshon Judkins, proved too much for Duke’s defense to handle early on.
Dart’s decision-making was key. He was able to stretch the field with his arm, hitting wide receivers in stride while also keeping the Blue Devils’ defense on edge by using his legs when necessary. Judkins, who had been a standout all season long, continued his dominant ways in the Gator Bowl. With his blend of power and agility, he quickly became the focal point of the Rebels’ ground attack, bulldozing through Duke’s defensive line and finding the end zone on multiple occasions.
The defense, meanwhile, was equally impressive in the opening stages. Ole Miss’ defensive line, anchored by future NFL prospects, applied constant pressure on Duke’s quarterback, Riley Leonard, who struggled to find rhythm under duress. The Rebels’ secondary also held firm, limiting big plays and forcing Leonard into uncomfortable situations.
The Rebels’ quick start was encapsulated by a touchdown on their opening drive, which set the tone for the rest of the game. By the end of the first quarter, Ole Miss had already built a 14-0 lead, a margin that Duke would never truly recover from.
Dart’s Stellar Performance: Quarterback Play at Its Best
While Ole Miss’ offense thrived as a unit, Jaxson Dart’s individual performance stood out. The sophomore quarterback completed 21 of 28 passes for 289 yards and 3 touchdowns, with no turnovers. Dart’s accuracy and composure were evident throughout the contest, as he showed why he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC.
One of the highlights of Dart’s game came in the second quarter, when he connected with wide receiver Tre Harris on a perfectly executed deep ball. Harris, who had been one of Dart’s favorite targets all season, managed to outpace the Duke secondary and haul in a pass that showcased both his speed and Dart’s ability to place the ball exactly where it needed to be.
Throughout the game, Dart consistently found open receivers, spreading the ball around to multiple playmakers. This helped prevent Duke’s defense from keying in on one specific target, as the Rebels’ passing game was too varied and effective. Dart’s ability to lead the offense in both the air and on the ground, when needed, made him a constant threat.
By the time the game was nearing its conclusion, Dart had orchestrated several long scoring drives and showcased his development as a leader on the field. His performance in the 2024 Gator Bowl was a statement game for his future in college football.
Quinshon Judkins: A Force to Be Reckoned With
While the passing game was efficient, Ole Miss’ ground game was just as dominant. Quinshon Judkins, the sophomore running back who had been a revelation for the Rebels throughout the 2024 season, delivered another electrifying performance. Judkins finished the game with 137 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on just 20 carries. His ability to break tackles, accelerate through holes, and find the end zone made him the most dangerous player on the field.
Duke’s defense struggled to contain Judkins, who repeatedly gained yards after contact and wore down the Blue Devils’ defensive front. Whether it was through quick bursts or wearing down the defense on long, punishing runs, Judkins was a key factor in the Rebels’ ability to control the clock and keep Duke’s offense off the field. His ability to change the tempo of the game with each run allowed Ole Miss to stay ahead and keep Duke on their heels.
The Rebels’ offensive line, which had been solid all season, played a significant role in creating lanes for Judkins. The physicality of the offensive line allowed the running back to hit the hole with force, and their ability to sustain blocks created opportunities for long runs.
Judkins’ ability to dominate the game was evident when he scored his second touchdown of the day, powering his way through the line for a 15-yard run that gave Ole Miss a commanding 28-10 lead in the third quarter. By the time the game ended, Judkins had solidified his status as one of the top running backs in the country.
Defensive Domination: Ole Miss Stifles Duke’s Offense
While Ole Miss’ offense deservedly grabbed much of the attention, the defense was equally instrumental in securing the victory. Duke’s Riley Leonard, who had been one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks during the season, found himself under constant pressure from the Rebels’ defensive line. Ole Miss’ front seven, led by standout defensive linemen like Jared Ivey and Tavius Robinson, kept Leonard uncomfortable for most of the game, sacking him multiple times and forcing several errant throws.
The Rebels’ secondary also played a crucial role in shutting down Duke’s passing game. Despite Leonard’s attempts to push the ball down the field, Ole Miss’ defensive backs, including safety A.J. Finley and cornerback Deantre Prince, consistently broke up passes and limited big plays. The Rebels were able to force Leonard into making bad decisions, and a late interception by linebacker Monty Montgomery sealed the game and put the finishing touches on a well-rounded defensive performance.
Ole Miss’ defense didn’t just excel in the passing game, but also contained Duke’s rushing attack. While Duke’s running back, Jaylen Coleman, showed flashes of ability, Ole Miss was able to bottle him up for most of the game. The defensive line, linebackers, and secondary all played their roles in shutting down Duke’s offensive rhythm, ensuring the Blue Devils couldn’t mount any sustained drives.
Special Teams Contributions: A Well-Rounded Effort
While offense and defense dominated the game, Ole Miss’ special teams unit also played a significant role in securing the victory. Kicker Caden Davis was perfect on his field goal attempts, converting all three of his tries, including a 47-yarder in the second quarter that extended Ole Miss’ lead to 17 points.
In addition to Davis’ success, the Rebels’ return game provided a spark. Ole Miss had solid returns throughout the game, giving their offense favorable field position and making it easier to continue building their lead. The special teams unit was disciplined, avoiding costly mistakes and playing a key role in keeping Duke from getting any momentum.
A Team Victory: The Importance of Depth
One of the most impressive aspects of Ole Miss’ performance in the 2024 Gator Bowl was the team effort. While certain players, such as Jaxson Dart, Quinshon Judkins, and the defensive line, stood out, the Rebels’ success was built on a complete team effort. Each position group contributed, whether it was the offensive line’s dominance, the linebackers’ ability to contain Leonard, or the special teams’ consistency.
In addition, Ole Miss’ depth was evident. The Rebels were able to rotate players in and out without a noticeable drop-off in performance, allowing them to stay fresh throughout the game. This depth was particularly noticeable in the second half, when Ole Miss continued to dominate despite having already built a sizable lead.
