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Some leftover Peach Bowl notes because, well, there's still a lot to sort through:
The biggest takeaway from Penn State's 38-25 loss to Mississippi in the Peach Bowl was the number of opt-outs that left the Nittany Lions a game early -- specifically their starting cornerbacks, whose absence left Penn State's secondary inexperienced and ill-prepared under an interim defensive coordinator.
James Franklin said prior to the game he expected to have Kalen King for "one more game," and repeatedly said "transparency" in discussions, with players and families, had kept the Lions' opt-outs to a minimum.
Lane Kiffin even called Franklin's program "a model" in how to deal with the revolving rosters of December.
Lo and behold, though, Penn State was down four starters and promised the limit the time of several others.
Johnny Dixon's absence was no surprise since he didn't accompany the team to Atlanta.
But King's decision apparently was.
During the game, former Lion receiver DaeSean Hamilton tweeted, "Since when (do) non-first rounders sit out bowl games?"
King was on the bench, as was Chop Robinson (who opted out early). Olu Fashanu, a projected Top-5 pick, was in uniform but didn't play.
Like Olu, many mock drafts have Robinson in the Top 10. Not so with King, whose decision surprised the PSU camp, which waited until after the game to put out his statement that he's leaving.
Franklin said afterward he planned to discuss the matter with next year's projected team leaders, including tight end Tyler Warren and safety Kevin Winston, on how to handle it going forward.
My question: If a player makes the trip and opts out -- without specifying his intentions previously -- should he be allowed on the bench? Isn't he more of a distraction to teammates that he's let down?
Same goes for Chop, who apparently just showed up for the game.
Then there's a matter of "transparency" with fans who made a considerable investment to travel and attend.
From this view, schools should get in front of this and issue their list of those not playing bowl games by early December.
Nitpicking ...
n Drew Allar averaged 6.7 per passing attempt for the season but just 4.4 in the Lions' three losses (Ohio State, Michigan, Ole Miss). His performance in big games this year makes you question Franklin's ability to develop a pocket passer.
n Credit Daequan Hardy for playing 80 snaps against Mississippi, despite declaring for the NFL next season -- like many of his teammates who played sparingly in the second half.
n Many felt Penn State should have gone for the fourth-and-1 from its 34 midway through the third quarter, down 23-17. I'm not one of them. It was too early, and had the Nits failed, Ole Miss could have taken control sooner than it did.
n Franklin's suggestion that the officiating was "less than desirable" after a game in which his team was down 38-17 was the only thing worse than the Lions' preparation.
n Not only was the comment misguided, it's very possible the Lions will see some of that Pac-12 officiating crew next year when USC, UCLA, Washington and Oregon join the Big Ten. The Pac-12 is dissolving, but its officials will be looking for work.
n In all three of Penn State's losses this year, the Lions tacked on a meaningless touchdown to lose 20-12 (OSU), 24-15 (UM) and 38-25 (Ole Miss).
n Lane Kiffin was totally out of line and showed his immaturity by actually defending a staff member's fake Twitter account that falsely quoted a Penn State player. Kiffin should be reprimanded.
n The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is an incredible sight and a perfect venue for Atlanta's plans to continue hosting College Football Playoff games.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.