Ole Miss Peach Bowl Notebook: Observations From Electric Win Over Penn State

The Ole Miss Rebels achieved their first 11-win season in program history on Saturday with a victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions.

ATLANTA, Ga., -- The No. 11 Ole Miss Rebels beat the No. 10 Penn State Nittany Lions 38-25 on Saturday in the Peach Bowl, and Lane Kiffin's program has officially reached new heights. The Rebels picked up their first New Year's Six victory under Kiffin, and more importantly, won 11 games for the first time in program history. 

The Rebels entered halftime only up three, but the flood gates opened up in the second half, as Penn State did not have the aerial attack to keep up with Ole Miss' high-powered offense.

Below are my notes and observations from Ole Miss' electric Peach Bowl victory over Penn State.

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Ole Miss' Offense Took Penn State's Defense For A Ride in the First Half

The Nittany Lions kept the score close entering halftime, but the Rebels racked up the offensive yardage versus Penn State to start the game. Going into Saturday, Penn State's defense had only given up an average of 223.2 yards per game, and the Rebels registered 340 yards of total offense in the first half alone. By the time the final whistle blew, Ole Miss had totaled 540 yards of offense versus Penn State's daunting unit.

Caden Prieskorn Named Offensive MVP For Career Performance

Have yourself a day Caden Prieskorn. The senior tight end capped off his first season as a Rebel with a career-day in the Peach Bowl, hauling in 10 receptions, 136 yards, and two touchdowns. Prieskorn led the Rebels in all three receiving categories, and he was a difference-maker for Ole Miss in the first half. He caught the first Ole Miss touchdown of the day and extended the Rebels' lead again closer to halftime. Prieskorn was catching everything thrown his way and even dazzled with a couple of jaw-dropping catches along the sideline.

Jaxson Dart Torched The Nittany Lions 

Ole Miss achieved program history on Saturday thanks to a gritty performance from its signal-caller. Despite not getting much help from his banged up offensive line, Dart picked apart Penn State's defense for 379 yards and three touchdowns while also recording 14 yards and a score on the ground. Penn State entered the game leading the nation in sacks (48), and its defensive front was all it was advertised to be, as the Nittany Lions totaled six sacks on Saturday.

Fortunately, Dart had Caden Prieskorn (as mentioned above) and his favorite receiver Tre Harris at his disposal. Penn State was without its two starting cornerbacks, and Dart took full advantage. Prieskorn led the Rebels in receiving, while Harris finished second on the team with seven catches for 134 yards. 

'Just Getting Started!' Lane Kiffin Has Sights Set on Ole Miss' Future After 11-Win Season

TJ Dudley Makes An Impact In Ole Miss Debut

Linebacker TJ Dudley transferred to Ole Miss from the Clemson Tigers this summer, and he was finally cleared to play for the Rebels in the Peach Bowl. Dudley made every snap count in his Ole Miss debut, as he logged two total tackles. His stat line may not pop out, but Dudley made an impact on the field by forcing multiple quarterback hurries. 

The future of Ole Miss' defense looks bright under Pete Golding, and Dudley will likely be a major contributor next year in his first full season as a Rebel.