Ole Miss Peach Bowl Preview: Facing Penn State's Daunting Defensive Front

Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart will need to keep his head on a swivel when his offense faces the talented defensive front boasted by the Penn State Nittany Lions.

The No. 11 Ole Miss Rebels and No. 10 Penn State Nittany Lions are preparing for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Dec. 30 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and part of that preparation involves scouting.

The Rebels and Nittany Lions have never faced one another on the gridiron, so many Ole Miss fans may be unfamiliar with the Penn State program under James Franklin. It never hurts to familiarize yourself with the next opponent on the schedule, so why not start now?

That's where The Grove Report comes in. Over the next few days, we will dive in to the Nittany Lions on a position-by-position basis, giving you a look at what Penn State is expected to field on that Saturday in Atlanta. This is a New Year's Six bowl game after all, so the stakes are rather high.

We have already previewed the Nittany Lions' offensive playmakers, and today we will take a look at their daunting defensive front.

Nov 24, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Adisa Isaac (20) pressures and sacks Michigan State Spartans quarterback Katin Houser (12) during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports / © David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Edge Adisa Isaac

High School: Canarsie (New York)

Height: 6-4

Weight: 249

2023 Stats: 35 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and one forced fumble 

Edge Abdul Carter

High School: La Salle College (Pennsylvania)

Height: 6-3

Weight: 249

2023 Stats: 45 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble

The Rebels received some grace when Penn State edge Demeioun "Chop" Robinson elected to opt out of the Peach Bowl to prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft, but the Nittany Lions are still fielding their best edge rusher versus Ole Miss: Adisa Isaac.

Ole Miss Peach Bowl Preview: Evaluating Penn State's Leading Receivers

Isaac, a former four-star recruit, led Penn State in sacks (7.5) and TFLs (15) this season. The senior played his best game of the season in October versus the Massachusetts Minutemen, when he recorded 3.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks. Paired on the edge with Isaac is sophomore phenom Abdul Carter, who was named to preseason watch lists for the Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, and Lombardi Award. 

With Robinson and Isaac receiving most of the playing time on the edge this season, Carter's stats may appear a bit underwhelming, but he is the type of player that will have to be spotted every play before the ball is snapped. 

Kickoff between Ole Miss and Penn State on Dec. 30 is set for 11 a.m. CT, and the game will be televised on ESPN.