The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl announced that its 80th matchup will pit the Duke Blue Devils against the No. 14 Ole Miss Rebels on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Bill Gay Grounds at EverBank Stadium.
Even after 79 years of playing the bowl game, there are still plenty of firsts taking place, as it will be the first ever meeting between the two teams and the first appearance in the bowl for the Blue Devils, who finished 9-3 in the first season under head coach Manny Diaz.
The Blue Devils have been on quite the run in recent years having won five consecutive bowls and a record of 26-12 over the last three years.
Diaz’s defensive background has made a difference for the Blue Devils, as they finished the regular season as the ACC’s second-best defense allowing an average of 22.2 points per game.
The Gator Bowl has hosted the Rebels three times over the years, including one of the most iconic games in bowl history when Ole Miss met Auburn in January 1971 for the 26th Gator Bowl featuring Heisman Trophy runner up and legendary Ole Miss quarterback Archie Manning, who played in a full arm cast.
This year’s Ole Miss squad also boasts a 9-3 record and were a contender for possibly making the College Football Playoff at points throughout the season.
“It’s a tremendous honor to host the 80th annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl,” said Andy King, TaxSlayer Gator Bowl chairman. “As the sixth oldest bowl game in the nation, writing the 80th chapter of this iconic game carries a lot of pride for our membership and our community. The opportunity to host two top-tier teams in Duke vs Ole Miss as well as their players, coaches and fans to our city for a great week of activities celebrating both programs’ successful seasons.”
The Rebels are led by Lane Kiffin in his fifth year as the team’s head coach and have an explosive offensive attack with senior signal-caller Jaxson Dart having thrown for 3,614 yards and 24 touchdowns with just six interceptions on the season.
This year’s game will once again be nationally televised on ESPN.
“Our company has proudly been the title sponsor of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl for 14 years,” said Jamie Saxe, CEO of TaxSlayer. “We're excited to be a part of this legacy that spans generations. Congratulations to the Duke Blue Devils and Ole Miss Rebels for making it this far."
Tickets and bowl information are available by going to www.taxslayergatorbowl.com.
