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.

The Ole Miss Rebels had multiple players who could have called it quits early in the Gator Bowl, but they opted to continue playing.

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,