by Benita Bara / Tulane Contributor

In a highly anticipated Top 25 showdown, the Ole Miss Rebels emerged victorious with a 37-20 win over the Tulane Green Wave. Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart showcased his steadiness and late-game poise in his first start as the Rebels’ full-time starter, accounting for 308 yards and two passing touchdowns. Despite the injury to their star receiver Tre Harris, Dart led the charge for Ole Miss, displaying his toughness and determination. Caden Davis added to the triumph with a career-long 56-yard field goal, sealing the victory for the Rebels.

On the other side, Tulane faced adversity with quarterback Michael Pratt sidelined due to an injury sustained in the previous game. Pratt’s absence didn’t deter the Green Wave from taking an early 10-point lead, with backup Kai Horton stepping in admirably. However, in the crucial moments of the game, Tulane faced a pivotal decision, opting for an offensive play on fourth and 2 rather than a tying field goal attempt. This decision ultimately backfired as Ole Miss capitalized, securing the win with a clutch touchdown pass from Dart to Michael Trigg.

The game highlighted Tulane‘s resilience and ability to compete with a Top 20 opponent from the SEC for the majority of the match. Despite the loss, the Green Wave showed promise, especially considering they have yet to play a conference game as the defending American Athletic Conference champions. Looking ahead, Ole Miss remains optimistic about their season, with coach Lane Kiffin expressing confidence in their ability to rebound from challenging situations.