Only bowl game on January 2
Diaz: Duke has won 5 straight bowls. First time for Duke in the Gator Bowl. We're humbled and honored to be selected for this game. This team has taken pride this year in doing things that Duke has never done or hasn't in a long time. Beat FSU for first time. And we knew the more wins, the warmer destination. We went 3-0 in November and finished well. Now the warmer you go, the opponent is really good. We draw an outstanding opponent in Ole Miss. Lane does a great job and I admire that program. This challenge is what we need in building our program. Excited for Jacksonville. I've been in this game for a long time.
Kiffin: Extremely excited to come down there and like Manny said, to be there for a really big matchup. Manny has done a great job and the way they've played, they've created a lot of chaos on defense. Typical of Manny, they create problems defensively. Our players are excited. It's a while until we play, but even our players who thought of opting out, as of now, they say they are playing. Says a lot about this team in an age that's not always the case. It shows how they feel about each other and this game. A number of players have said they are going to play and are excited. I saw they've put it on social media. Great respect for Manny and what they've done this year and an SEC-ACC matchup in a big bowl.
Kiffin: Last week I asked Dart if he'd play in the bowl game and told him possible bowls we were hearing, and he said he is definitely playing and wants to play last game. He's encouraged other games in that in-between position of what to do. Majority are headed toward playing in that game. Pretty neat and he's an amazing leader. Set a bunch of records and how he's been as a leader and this university is awesome. This is another example of it.
Diaz: I have a ton of respect for Murphy and our story as a program doesn't happen without Maalik. He's everything we could hope for. I'm excited for his story and what's ahead and grateful for him when he was with us. We'll get our quarterback here ready to go and go from there. I don't know... Lane is on the call... can't say what we'll do offensively. I'm not sure about other opt outs. I think guys want to play.
Kiffin: It's who Dart is... he said of course I'm playing. Unbelievable leader and teammate. I think of him like another son to me. He's been awesome to see him grow and treat people. Amazing and I'm really proud of him.
Diaz: This is all new with the QB so not sure if we'll pick one or have them other guys compete. What Ole Miss does defensively is outstanding. The chaos index is off the charts. Any QB will have a tough day, but we'll put a plan together whether it's one or two of them.
Diaz: From our standpoint, handling bowl and portal is the new normal. However already having signing day takes some stress out of this time. We adapt to this landscape as needed. We adjust to what we need.
Kiffin: We make the best of the situation with the portal and bowl. It's a dumb system. The QB went into the portal. The season isn't over yet. There's as free agency open. Imagine this before the NFL conference title games. Hopefully some day it'll get fixed.
Diaz: I was curious observer when Penn State played Ole Miss in Atlanta and to watch Dart's ability to execute at a high level against a talented defense with arm and feet. If a QB can beat you with his feet and arm, that's such a big deal. Guys like that are the ones who give you nightmares and he has experience and intangibles. Teams respond to leaders like that. It's part of why they've had success to this point.
Kiffin: As of now, but things could change, we've had conversations with all of the guys. No one has said they aren't playing. Still a lot of time between now and game, but it's maybe headed in that direction.
