Jaxson Dart Breaks Eli Manning’s Record in Ole Miss’ Dramatic Egg Bowl Victory
The Egg Bowl is one of the fiercest and most fiercely contested rivalries in college football. Year after year, the clash between Ole Miss and Mississippi State delivers drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. But in 2024, this rivalry reached a new level of intensity and significance. Ole Miss, riding the wave of a superb season, faced off against their in-state rivals with more than pride on the line. The stakes were high, with the Rebels seeking a statement win and the coveted Egg Bowl trophy. But as the game unfolded, it became a stage for an even greater narrative—one of history, legacy, and individual brilliance.
Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss’ star quarterback, entered this year’s Egg Bowl with one major goal on his mind: to surpass the legendary Eli Manning’s record for total career passing yards at Ole Miss. As the game neared its climax, Dart’s performance would not only help his team secure a resounding 42-30 victory but also cement his place in Ole Miss football lore forever.
The Stakes Were Higher Than Ever
This year’s Egg Bowl was more than just another chapter in an age-old rivalry. For Ole Miss, it was a chance to further solidify their position among the SEC’s elite teams. A win over Mississippi State would give them a solid finish to the regular season and position them for a lucrative bowl game.
But for Jaxson Dart, this game held even more significance. Eli Manning, the iconic Ole Miss quarterback and former NFL MVP, was the benchmark. His 10,119 passing yards had stood as a symbol of greatness for years. Manning’s shadow loomed large over the program, and while Dart had already made a name for himself as one of the best quarterbacks in college football, breaking Eli’s record would elevate his legacy to an entirely new level.
As the game kicked off, the tension was palpable, not only between the two teams but also around Dart’s impending achievement. Would he be able to carry Ole Miss to victory and simultaneously secure his place in history?
A Rocky Start
The game didn’t start as smoothly as Dart and the Rebels would have hoped. Mississippi State’s defense came out aggressive, making it clear they weren’t going to let Ole Miss waltz to an easy victory. Dart, feeling the pressure, struggled early on, missing a couple of key throws and failing to get into a rhythm.
Mississippi State’s quarterback, Will Rogers, seemed poised to take advantage of any mistakes, orchestrating a few promising drives of his own. By the end of the first quarter, the game was tied 7-7, with both teams feeling each other out and testing their strengths. Dart was still well short of Manning’s record, and Ole Miss’ offense, despite their reputation, was being stymied by the Bulldogs’ defense.
Dart Finds His Rhythm
Then, in the second quarter, something clicked for Dart. Perhaps it was the weight of the moment or the adrenaline of the rivalry, but the sophomore quarterback began to find his flow. Aided by an impressive running game led by Quinshon Judkins, Dart started hitting his targets with precision, showcasing the arm strength and poise that had made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the country.
It wasn’t just the flashy deep balls or the perfectly placed throws that made Dart’s performance impressive—it was the way he managed the game. He showed calm in the pocket, evading pressure with ease, and seemed to always find the open man at the right moment. With every successful completion, the record books moved closer to turning the page on Eli Manning’s era at Ole Miss.
At the same time, the Rebels’ defense tightened up, forcing Mississippi State to punt on several crucial drives. It was clear that both teams were now playing at their highest level, with the game on the line. As the first half drew to a close, Dart had already amassed over 200 passing yards and was just a few completions away from breaking Manning’s long-standing record.
The Turning Point
With the score tied at 21-all midway through the third quarter, the game reached a boiling point. Mississippi State had just scored, taking a three-point lead, and the crowd at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium was on the edge of their seats. Jaxson Dart needed one final push to break the record and keep Ole Miss’ hopes alive.
Then, on the next drive, Dart did what great quarterbacks do: he took over the game. With his eyes locked on the goal, Dart led his team down the field, picking apart the Mississippi State defense with a series of precise throws. With just under four minutes remaining in the third quarter, on a 2nd-and-10 play, Dart hit his receiver for a 22-yard completion that put him past Eli Manning’s record. The stadium erupted in a mix of joy, disbelief, and pride.
Jaxson Dart had done it. He had broken Eli Manning’s all-time passing record at Ole Miss.
But Dart wasn’t finished. He wasn’t just looking for personal accolades; he wanted to finish the job and give the Rebels the victory they desperately needed.
The Final Push
With the crowd roaring and the stakes higher than ever, Dart continued his stellar play. He didn’t just settle for a record—he drove his team forward. In the fourth quarter, Ole Miss’ offense exploded. Dart connected with his top target, Tre Harris, for two more touchdown passes, including a stunning 45-yard bomb that extended the Rebels’ lead to 42-30. By now, it was clear: Ole Miss wasn’t just going to win—they were going to win in style.
Mississippi State, to their credit, continued to fight, but the combination of Dart’s precision passing and Ole Miss’ relentless defense proved too much to overcome. The Bulldogs’ offense couldn’t break through, and as the final whistle blew, the Rebels had secured a 42-30 victory in the 2024 Egg Bowl.
A New Legacy
As Jaxson Dart walked off the field, flanked by his teammates, it was clear that this wasn’t just another win for Ole Miss. It was a moment that would define Dart’s career, elevating him to legendary status in Oxford. He had broken Eli Manning’s record and led his team to an Egg Bowl victory in one fell swoop, sealing his place as one of the great quarterbacks in Ole Miss history.
The significance of Dart’s achievement wasn’t lost on anyone in the stadium. Eli Manning, now an NFL legend, was present for the historic moment. He congratulated Dart, passing the torch and acknowledging the young quarterback’s incredible achievement. Manning’s smile said it all—Jaxson Dart had truly arrived.
As Ole Miss celebrated, there was no doubt that the Egg Bowl would go down as one of the most memorable in recent history—not just for the win, but for the moment that changed the course of Ole Miss football. Jaxson Dart had broken a record that many thought would never be surpassed, but in doing so, he had carved his own name into the annals of history.
For Ole Miss fans, the 2024 Egg Bowl would forever be remembered as the game where Jaxson Dart became a legend.