BWI Live Postgame Show: Penn State drops Peach Bowl to Ole Miss
The Penn State Nittany Lions lost to Ole Miss on Saturday in the 2023 Peach Bowl. Penn State’s vaunted defense allowed over 500 yards without key starters and injuries that cropped up throughout the game. Join the show live on YouTube immediately following the game.
Penn State and Ole Miss trade blows early
The first half went to the Nittany Lions, who came out of the gates hot. Despite not having Olu Fashanu, Kalen King or Johnny Dixon, the team got things going on both sides of the ball. Penn State rushed for 85 yards on ten carries. Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen took that momentum from the first half to average a twin 6.6 yards per carry at halftime.
Meanwhile, the Penn State defense under co-defensive coordinators Robb Smith and Anthony Poindexter got to Quinshon Judkins early. The run-heavy Ole Miss offense gained one yard rushing thanks to the typically aggressive Penn State front seven. That led to several third-and-longs where the Penn State pass rush got to quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Second quarter saved by big play
But things changed in the second quarter. Ole Miss veered away from its run approach to attack Penn State’s young corner. Zion Tracy and Cam Miller couldn’t lock down Tre Harris, who put up 63 yards in the first half. His teammates outdid him, tight end Cade Prieskorn, who racked up 96 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Dayton Wade threw in 79 yards as well. Dart threw for 258 yards in the first half.
Meanwhile, Allar and the offense failed to find a second gear. The passing game struggled once again but was aided by a trick play from backup quarterback Beau Pribula, resulting in a 48-yard touchdown to Nick Singleton.
Third quarter implosion
Penn State’s offense didn’t do much to help itself at halftime. They botched a two-minute drive, giving the ball back to Ole Miss with a chance to score before the half, then went three-and-out on the second half’s opening drive.
The third quarter was the turning point in the game for the two teams. Penn State’s offense remained in neutral coming out of halftime. The team gained 14 yards to Ole Miss’ 141. The Nittany Lions went three-and-out on each drive of the third quarter, showing little ability to threaten a maligned Ole Miss defense.
Meanwhile, a critical injury to Abdul Carter opened the gates for an already churning Ole Miss offense. Carter was rolled up on at the end of the first half and tried to play through in the third quarter. However, he struggled to get off blocks or play with explosives, helping to allow 57 rushing yards in the third frame.
We’ll be taking your questions and thoughts about the loss on the show for sixty minutes after the final whistle. Don’t miss the final BWI Live Postgame Show of the season!
