As the No. 11 Mississippi Rebels prepare for their Peach Bowl showdown against No. 10 Penn State, they face the unique challenge of preparing for an opponent in transition. With the Nittany Lions welcoming new coordinators on both sides of the ball, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin expressed concern about the unpredictability this creates.
Kiffin acknowledged the difficulties of preparing for a team undergoing significant coaching changes. “We don’t have any idea what they’re going to do,” Kiffin said Tuesday before his team’s first practice in Atlanta. “People would think, well, that’s in our favor with Manny leaving, but that presents challenges, too. It’s like opening the season with no preseason games or being someone’s second game. That’s actually a really big challenge.”
Penn State’s Defensive Shift
The defensive shift for Penn State is particularly noteworthy. The Nittany Lions led the nation in total defense and ranked third with an average of just 11.42 points allowed per game in the 2023 season. This defensive prowess was a key factor in defensive coordinator Manny Diaz’s recent hiring as Duke’s head coach.
In response, Penn State head coach James Franklin has brought in former Indiana head coach Tom Allen to take over as the new defensive coordinator. Allen, who is now in Atlanta with the team, will oversee the defense starting next season. However, for the Peach Bowl, defensive responsibilities will be handled by assistants Anthony Poindexter and Robb Smith. Poindexter and Smith, who have been instrumental in maintaining the defense’s effectiveness throughout the season, will continue to lead the defensive unit during the bowl game.
The change in leadership adds a layer of uncertainty for Ole Miss, as the new defensive schemes and strategies that Allen might implement are yet to be fully revealed. This unpredictability presents an additional challenge for Kiffin and his staff, who must prepare for potential new looks that could be employed in the game.
**Offensive Overhaul and Preparation**
On the offensive side, Penn State has also seen a change in leadership. The Nittany Lions have hired Andy Kotelnicki as their new offensive coordinator, a move designed to rejuvenate their offensive play. Kotelnicki’s appointment, while promising, means that assistants Ja’Quan Seider and Ty Howle will continue to act as co-coordinators for the Peach Bowl. Seider and Howle have been instrumental in Penn State’s recent offensive success, leading the team to a combined 69 points in wins over Rutgers and Michigan State to close the regular season.
Kotelnicki’s influence on the game plan will be crucial in the upcoming bowl game, but his role has been limited so far to more observational and planning tasks. According to Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, the current focus with Kotelnicki has been on getting to know him rather than on specific football strategies. “It’s not really football stuff yet. I think he’s fit well with the guys. We’re starting to get to know him more and more … so when it is time to do football stuff, we’ll be working well together,” Warren said.
**Franklin’s Approach to Transition**
Franklin has acknowledged the complexities introduced by these coaching changes. Despite the challenges, he views the transition as an opportunity to ensure a smooth handover for the 2024 season. “Obviously you’d prefer not to have to have changes be made, but if they are made, I think there’s a ton of value in doing what we’re doing,” Franklin said. He emphasized that having Kotelnicki and Allen involved in bowl practice is beneficial for integrating them into the program. “Tom’s ability to be around the staff. Andy’s ability to be around the staff. Staff meetings, game planning, watching film, watching the players, how we do things.”
This approach allows the new coordinators to acclimate to Penn State’s operations and culture, reducing the learning curve when spring practice begins. Franklin believes this will provide them with a clearer understanding of the program and its processes, leading to a more seamless transition.
**Player Opt-Outs and Injuries**
The Peach Bowl will also see key players on both sides opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft. For Ole Miss, senior defensive end Cedric Johnson is the only player who has decided to sit out the game. Johnson, who registered five sacks this season and has a total of 19 in his career, will focus on his draft preparations. Kiffin admitted that Johnson’s decision was somewhat unexpected, reflecting a level of surprise and disappointment. “I probably jinxed myself by saying that,” Kiffin said. “So we wish him the best of luck.”
Similarly, Penn State will be without defensive end Chop Robinson, who has also chosen to forgo the bowl game to prepare for the draft. Despite this, Franklin has managed to keep cornerback Kalen King, another draft-eligible player, engaged with the team. King has agreed to participate in the Peach Bowl, contributing his skills and experience for one final game with the Nittany Lions.
**Conclusion**
The Peach Bowl between Mississippi and Penn State is shaping up to be an intriguing matchup, fraught with unique challenges for both teams. For Ole Miss, the uncertainty surrounding Penn State’s new coordinators adds an extra layer of complexity to their preparation. For Penn State, the presence of new offensive and defensive coordinators will test their ability to adapt while managing player opt-outs and maintaining focus on their bowl game objectives.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal clash, the outcome will likely hinge on their ability to navigate these changes and capitalize on their respective strengths. Fans can expect a dynamic and closely contested game, with both sides working to leverage their advantages and overcome the hurdles presented by these significant adjustments.
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