The 2023 Peach Bowl is the final New Year’s 6 that Penn State needs to win to record a win in all NY6 bowl games. If the Nittany Lions can secure a win against Ole Miss, they will be the first collegiate football program to win each of the NY6 bowl games. This is the first appearance in the Peach Bowl for the Nittany Lions. Penn State is playing in its 53rd bowl game. The Nittany Lions rank first in the Big Ten in bowl wins with 31. Even more impressive, the Nittany Lions are playing in their fifth NY6 under head coach James Franklin.
Fans were disappointed that this team didn’t win the “big ones” against Ohio State and Michigan to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, based on the amount of draft-eligible players that are playing in this one, the opportunity to secure a place in history is still a big deal.
2023 Peach Bowl: Just the Particulars
What: 2023 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
When: Saturday, December 30th
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Atlanta, GA
Who: No.11 Ole Miss Rebels (10-2) vs No. 10 Penn State Nittany Lions (10-2)
TV: ESPN
Who Won’t Be Playing in the Peach Bowl
It is a short list of Penn State starters who won’t be playing in the 2023 Peach Bowl. Early in bowl season and shortly after the match-up was announced, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was quoted in a bowl game press conference saying, “I got an early report from my personnel people that phenomenal players, great starters on defense. I was hoping coach Franklin was going to announce they’re opting out.” Kiffin may not have gotten his wish for the bulk of the No. 1 defense in the country, but there are a few players who won’t be in this game. Most notably, the Nittany Lions will be without defensive end, Chop Robinson. Robinson announced that he will be entering the 2024 NFL Draft and forgoing the bowl game. Kiffin was excited. He reposted Robinson’s announcement with “Best of luck!! Congrats on a great career!!”
It was unclear if cornerback Kalen King would play in the Peach Bowl. He was not available for media on December 15th, however, he has been practicing with the team this week and is available. Cornerback Johnny Dixon is still undecided. Offensive tackle Olu Fashanu is the only starter on offense who may not play in this one. His statement was unclear. However, he is in Atlanta with his teammates getting them ready for the matchup with Ole Miss. Regardless, expect the players who declared for the NFL Draft to play, but be limited. Franklin has stated that there is a game plan for each player that both the player and the staff are comfortable with.
Ole Miss also only has one confirmed player opting out of the Peach Bowl. Defensive end Cedric Johnson will not play in the bowl game. Johnson accounted for five-and-a-half sacks in 2023 and a forced fumble.
Penn State’s Offense Against the Ole Miss Defense
It is no secret that the Penn State offense was not the best this season. This was evident with the firing of former offensive coordinator Mike Yurchich. New offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki will not coach in the 2023 Peach Bowl. However, he has been in State College getting to know the players. Assistants Ja’Juan Seider and Ty Howle will continue to be co-coordinators for the bowl game. The Nittany Lion run game got better under Seider and Howle in the last few games of the season.
Being able to take the pressure off of sophomore quarterback Drew Allar will be key in this game. Allar did see action in the Rose Bowl win last season, but getting runningbacks Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen going early will allow the young quarterback to relax and open things up as the game progresses. Allar will have access to all of his tight ends. Theo Johnson declared for the NFL Draft but will play and Tyler Warren has announced that he will return next season. Expect Johnson to be limited in this one and Khalil Dinkins to step in.
This is an Ole Miss defense that ranks 59th in total defense, allowing an average of 371.9 yards per game to opposing offenses. In addition, the Rebels are ranked 71st in rush defense, allowing an average of 151.9 rush yards per game to opposing offenses in 2023. With Johnson opting out, the Penn State offensive line will have to key in on fellow edge rusher, Jared Ivey. This season, Ivey accounted for nine-and-a-half tackles for loss, five-and-a-half sacks, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. Ivey is a very good defensive end. Allar will need to keep the football secure and get rid of the ball quickly in the passing game.
In addition in the passing game, Allar needs to be aware of a solid secondary for the Rebels. Safeties Trey Washington and John Saunders Jr. are leaders on this defense. Washington leads the team in tackles with 75. Both players finished the regular season with two tackles for loss from the safety position and a team-leading three interceptions.
The No. 1 Defense Against the Ole Miss Offense
Penn State’s No. 1 defense will be without former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. Diaz is now the head coach at Duke. While Franklin found the Nittany Lions’ new defensive coordinator in former Indiana head coach Tom Allen, he will not coach in the Peach Bowl. Allen is with the team in Atlanta, but assistants Anthony Poindexter and Robb Smith will be co-defensive coordinators in this contest.
As already stated, Robinson is the only confirmed Nittany Lion to opt out of this bowl game. Normally, this would be a big issue for any defense. However, Penn State was without Robinson for several games this season due to injury and kept up an elite pass rush. Look for Dani Dennis-Sutton to step into Robinson’s spot. Dennis-Sutton was very efficient this season. The sophomore finished the regular season with six tackles for loss, three-and-a-half sacks, and two forced fumbles. He will line up across from NFL Draft prospect Adisa Isaac. Isaac had a team-leading 15 tackles for loss and seven-and-a-half sacks this season. Despite Robinson not playing, the Rebels’ depleted offensive line will still have their hands full with this Penn State pass rush.
The Ole Miss offense is very good. The Rebels have a very efficient quarterback in Jaxson Dart. The USC transfer can beat teams with his arm and his legs. This season for Ole Miss, Dart has passed for 2,985 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He has a 65.4 completion percentage. In addition, he rushed for 375 yards and seven touchdowns.
Dart has several weapons to throw the ball to. He has three wide receivers that have all been productive this season. Tre Harris, Jordan Watkins, and Dayton Wade have accounted for 15 touchdown receptions this season. Further, the Rebels have a very good tight end in Caden Prieskorn. The Memphis transfer has 20 receptions for 313 yards and averages 15.7 yards per catch. Something interesting here is that all of these offensive weapons transferred into the Ole Miss program. Finally, the Rebels round out their offense with a great running back in Quinshon Judkins. Not only will Penn State need to account for Dart’s legs, but Judkins as well.
Final Thoughts
This is the toughest defense that Ole Miss will face this season. In addition, this is arguably the most explosive offense that Penn State will face this season. These teams are a good match for the 2023 Peach Bowl. Both teams have something to prove entering the 2024 season. Finally, Penn State could make history with a win. Overall, this should be a fun one to watch in Atlanta.
