Ole Miss was a 17 1/2-point favorite, according to BetMGM, mostly because the Blue Devils (9-4) were without quarterback Maalik Murphy and running back Star Thomas. Both entered the transfer portal after Duke’s regular-season finale.

Lane Kiffin didn't back when discussing the College Football Playoff committee leaving Ole Miss out of the 12-team field in recent weeks. On Thursday,

Rebels coach Lane Kiffin wasn’t totally thrilled with his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, after the 52-20 romp. Dart checked to a pass play with the game out of hand and his last pass as a Rebel turned into an unnneeded 69-yard touchdown. After the game, Kiffin was asked about his quarterback.