Students React to Penn State in Peach Bowl

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Penn State Nittany Lions will be playing in the 2024 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, their first-ever appearance. They’ll take on the 11th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels, a program they’ve never faced. If they win, they’ll be the first school to ever record a victory in each of the “New Year’s Six” bowl games.

Last year the Nittany Lions competed in the more highly-touted Rose Bowl, where they defeated Utahn35-21. Students and fans seemed to be much more enthusiastic about that game. Although there is optimism surrounding this one.

Nolan Ranker, a fourth-year studying electrical engineering, shared a similar sentiment with many.

“It’s exciting, you know, it would’ve been nice if we could’ve made it to the playoff or something like that,” Ranker said.

Although he said it’s not the same as the Rose Bowl, Ranker said he thinks we’ll still see a victory against Ole Miss.

Declan Stablow, a fourth-year studying broadcast journalism, also recognized that the game won’t have the same reputation as a playoff game or the Rose Bowl, but still believes it’s a big opportunity.

“It’s against a very high caliber program like Ole Miss, I think it’s going to be a very fun game, and I think if they get the win it’s gonna be a high quality win for them.”

The blue and white finished their regular season with a 10-2 record; the two losses coming from Big Ten rivals Ohio State and Michigan. Their performance in the losses led to the firing of their offensive coordinator, as they hope for better outcomes next season.

Nick LaRosa is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email njl5547@psu.edu.