Ole Miss football: 3 takeaways from Peach Bowl win over Penn State

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Dec 30, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) reacts after a / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jaxson Dart is growing before our eyes

Jaxson Dart was tested this season after Lane Kiffin brought in a couple of quarterbacks from the transfer portal in the offseason. He was battling to keep his starting job and he knew it wouldn't be easy.

However, he played much better all season long than he did last year and he capped it off with a near-perfect performance against a really good Penn State defense in the Peach Bowl.

Penn State had one of the best defenses in the Big Ten and yet it couldn't seem to slow Dart and the Ole Miss offense down. He finished with 379 yards and three touchdowns on 25-of-40 completions and looked like an All-SEC first-teamer and an All-American in this one. He also had a rushing touchdown and was the difference in this game.

Dart will be back next season as one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC and a potential Heisman Trophy candidate, especially if he plays like this.

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