Jaxson Dart reflects after Egg Bowl win: ‘We came into every single game knowing that we worked harder, and I think that’s something that I really fell in love with in this program’
OXFORD, Miss. — After the game last night, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart reflected on his team’s 17-7 Egg Bowl win in Starkville, and he also talked about his teammates and coaching staff and what they mean to him.
Ole Miss finishes the regular season 10-2 and the Rebs now wait until December 3rd when the final College Football Playoff rankings, as well as bowl game opponents, are released. Despite being so close to playing in a New Year’s Six bowl game, Ole Miss still needs some help and it could come in the form of a loss from Penn State, Louisville, or Mizzou, the three teams ranked immediately ahead of them in the CFP rankings.
After last night’s victory, Dart offered his thoughts on why the Rebels deserve to be in one of the New Year’s 6 matchups.
“Our losses came from the best two teams in the country on the road in very hostile environments,” Dart explained. “It’s something that we can’t really control, but you look at the rankings, and I feel confident that our team can go in and compete with anyone in the country. Like I said, it’s out of our control, but I think we are in a good spot for it,” Dart added.
In Ole Miss’ last contest of the season, Dart threw for a season-low of 96 yards but still managed to help get 17 points on the board in a chaotic Starkville environment. On one specific play in the third quarter, Dart ran the ball, and as he slid down, a State defender’s helmet collided directly with Dart’s. The quarterback was clearly shaken up but still remained in the game until the clock hit zero.
“I just love the game. I told J-Wat (Jordan Watkins) because he was asking me, ‘Bro, are you good?’ I was like, you know, there is nothing that can happen to me that’s going to keep me off the field.”
Jaxson Dart
While offensive production was slow for both teams on Thanksgiving night, Caden Prieskorn found himself playing a critical role for Dart and the Rebels.
The tight end led the Ole Miss receiving corps with four receptions for 38 yards and the only passing touchdown of the day. Prieskorn’s touchdown put the Rebs up 17-7 early in the fourth quarter, essentially holding the Bulldogs out of reach.
Following the game, Dart expressed his appreciation for Caden and what he means to the team.
“I love it. He’s been a staple to our offense and a staple to our team with his leadership. He’s somebody that comes to work every single day and sets a great example for the guys around him. With guys like him, you don’t want anything but success for him, and I was super stoked for him to get that touchdown and take a big lead when it was low-scoring throughout the game. I’m super proud of him and what he’s done.”
Jaxson Dart on Caden Prieskorn
Although Jaxson’s status for next season is unclear — whether he will declare early for the draft or return to college — there would seem to be an above-average chance that we will see him return to the field in red and blue next season. Regardless of his decision, Dart made sure to recognize how much the Ole Miss coaches have helped him and his love for the game.
“I love the commitment from our position coaches and coordinators. You know, I really don’t know another staff in the country that works as hard as they do throughout the day and the week. Late nights every single night, you know grinding, and that’s something that I like to preach myself that through everything you have to work hard, and hard work beats talent. There were definitely some games where teams had a little bit more talent than us, but we came into every single game knowing that we worked harder, and I think that’s something that I really fell in love with in this program.”
Jaxson Dart
Stay tuned to The Rebel Walk as we keep you posted on all the coming bowl game scenarios.
Hotty Toddy!
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss)
