Mississippi overpowers defenseless, outmanned Lions, 38-25
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ATLANTA — Penn State hasn't had many players opt-out of bowl games since the national trend began 10 years ago.
But that caught up with Nittany Lions on Saturday afternoon at the Peach Bowl.
The Lions were down four key starters - including both their top cornerbacks - via opt-outs, and the voids were too way much to overcome in a 38-25 loss to Mississippi before 71,230 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
It was expected that All-American offensive tackle Olu Fashanu, who is projected as a top-five pick in April's NFL Draft, would sit the game out, as many top prospects do.
But the combination of all-Big Ten defensive end Chop Robinson and starting cornerbacks Kalen King and Johnny Dixon left the Lions defenseless.
Penn State fell to 10-3 on the season.
Jaxson Dart completed 25-of-40 for 379 yards and three touchdowns as the Rebels improved to 11-2.
Tight end Caden Prieskorn was the Rebels' top target with 10 catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
Quinshon Judkins led the Ole Miss ground game with 106 yards on 34 carries.
Penn State took an early 3-0 lead after its 10-play 64-yard drive stalled inside the Ole Miss 20.
Ole Miss tied the game and went up 10-3 before a 75-yard pass and run to Lion tight end Tyler Warren set up Drew Allar's 2-yard touchdown pass to Theo Johnson that tied it at 10 early in the second quarter.
Mississippi went up 20-17 before Beau Pribula found Nick Singleton loose for a 48-yard touchdown reception that cut the lead to 20-17 with 2:45 remaining in the half.
Ole Miss opened the second half with Caden Davis' third field goal — a 53-yarder — and the Lions' offense had no answers.
Penn State’s defense wore down and Mississippi carried the second half, building a 38-17 lead.
The Lions' first five drives of the second half read: punt, punt, punt, blocked field goal and a lost fumble before they punched in a touchdown with 4:14 left.
By then, the sea of red was going home happy.
Penn State will open the 2024 season at West Virginia on Saturday, Aug. 31. For those who can't wait for that, the annual Blue-White Game is Saturday, April 13 at Beaver Stadium.
The Mirror will have a full report in Monday's print edition in Penn State Extra.