Introduction
Penn State and Ole Miss will meet in the Chik-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta, GA with kickoff set for 12:00 EST. Both teams come in 10-2 and would love to grab a victory in this New Year's Six Bowl game. Let's get into our Penn State vs Ole Miss prediction and CFB Picks 12/30/23.
Ole Miss: A Season of Highs and Lows
Ole Miss has navigated a season marked by both remarkable victories and challenging defeats. Their offense, known for its agility and speed, has been a constant threat, particularly in games where they've managed to establish an early lead. The Rebels have averaged 31.4 points per game this season. A key to their success has been their quarterback Jaxson Dart, whose ability to both run and pass has kept defenses guessing.
However, Ole Miss has shown vulnerability on defense, particularly against teams with a strong passing game. Ugly examples of this are when they allowed 52 to Georgia and 49 to LSU. This inconsistency could play a critical role in their matchup against Penn State and thei QB Drew Allar who has thrown 23 touchdowns to just 1 interception this season.
Penn State: Strength in Defense
Penn State enters the game with one of the most formidable defenses in the league. They ranked #3 in College Football holding opponents to 11.8 points per game. Their ability to disrupt offensive lines and pressure quarterbacks has been a cornerstone of their strategy. Offensively, they've been efficient, if not spectacular, relying on a balanced attack to wear down opposing defenses.
A potential concern for Penn State is their offense's tendency to start slow in games, which could be detrimental against a team like Ole Miss, known for quick scoring.
Key Matchup: Ole Miss Offense vs Penn State Defense
The game will likely hinge on the battle between Ole Miss's dynamic offense and Penn State's robust defense and it should be fun to watch. Ole Miss's ability to find gaps in Penn State's defensive line and execute big plays will be crucial. Conversely, Penn State's success in containing Ole Miss's quarterback and disrupting their rhythm could tilt the game in their favor.
Injuries and Suspensions
As of now, both teams appear to be entering the game relatively healthy, with no major injuries reported among key players. This should ensure that both teams are at their competitive best.
Prediction
This game is expected to be closely contested, with each team's strengths directly challenging the other's. Ole Miss's offense will likely score early, but Penn State's defense is expected to adjust and tighten as the game progresses.
In a battle that may well come down to the wire, we expect the SEC boys to come away with a close one. Take Ole Miss with the points.
Score Prediction: Ole Miss 28, Penn Sate 24
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