OXFORD, Miss — We are months away from the college football season, but this time of year we do get a taste thanks to the spring games. Down in Oxford, Lane Kiffin and the Rebels decided to spice it up and put a twist on the traditional spring game with the addition of the first-ever Grove Bowl Games.
There was an elite dunk competition, a lot of 7-on-7 football, but the highlight of the day was Joey Chestnut and the hotdog eating contest.
"Joey Chestnut, a dog like, literally hotdog king like he’s a dog," said JJ Pegues, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss Rebels.
The Navy team was in trouble heading into the hot dog eating competition. Brandon Turnage began the day in style by claiming all 21 points for the red team with a reverse jam off the deck.
The Red team picked up points in the first 7-on-7 period and the tug of war. The Navy team was down 46-8 and needed a hero. Cue the goat of competitive eaters, Joey Chestnut.
Jaws stepped in and downed 20 hotdogs in 90 seconds to secure the victory for the blue team.
Kiffin urged his team to draw inspiration from Chestnut's drive and elite skill.
"We use that to motivate our guys. It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. Michael Jordan got cut from varsity and Joey lost his first eating competition," said Lane Kiffin, Head Coach, Ole Miss Rebels.
Galvanized by Chestnut's performance, Navy took its first lead with a touchdown from Simmons to Ayden Williams and went ahead 65-61 in the final quarter of 7-on-7 on the day. A 50-yard made field goal from Caden Davis tacked on three more points for Navy, with seven minutes of action remaining. Navy extended its hold to double-digits off a pick-six, going ahead 73-61.
A coach's score change provided Navy with a six-point lead at 70-64 with under two minutes remaining. A deep shot from Howard to Mac Owen on the Red side forced a tie at 70 all. Still tied at 70, it came down to a make or miss field goal from Navy's Davis. From 65 yards deep, Davis couldn't complete to provide Red with a 71-70 win in the 2024 Grove Bowl Games.
According to QB1 Jaxson Dart, the Blue boys have to eat beanies and weenies tonight and he will be dining on a ribeye, side salad, and some mac and cheese.
“Ribeye side salad and some Mac and cheese," a smiling Dart stated.
The Rebels will get some time off before beginning their 2024 campaign at home against Furman on August 31st.