One day until the Peach Bowl kicks off on ESPN

We are just one day away from the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl where the Ole Miss Rebels are taking on Penn State.

The Peach Bowl’s off-field activities and events are done and both #11 Ole Miss and #10 Penn State are gearing up for their first ever matchup in Atlanta.

The Rebels spent the week practicing at Georgia Tech’s football facility, the Lane Kiffin-led Ole Miss offense puts up just under 35 points per game.

On the other side, Penn State’s defense is one of the best in the country, allowing only 11 points per contest.

Ole Miss has a sense of urgency heading into the game as the Rebels are eager to become the first team in program history to win 11 games.

“It inspires everyone around the facility to know Ole Miss an be the top program,” said Quinshon Judkins, Ole Miss’ running back.

“It’s on our minds the whole time,” said Jordan Watkins, Ole Miss’ wide receiver. “It’s something that will go in the history books forever and won’t be forgotten”

“To be in a position to win 11 games for the first time ever would be amazing,” said Ole Miss Head Coach Lane Kiffin.

Both teams are in similar spots, they’ve been incredibly success but haven’t quite been able to get to the same level as their top conference foes.

The last seven Big 10 champs have been either Michigan or Ohio State, nine of the last 10 SEC winners were either Alabama or Georgia.

Kiffin and Penn State Head Coach James Franklin both stressed how difficult it is to not only get to those teams’ levels, but to win 10 or 11 games consistently.

“Those are two of the top programs in the country. Outside of Ed Orgeron and Joe Burrow, who has gotten over the hump of those two?” said Coach Kiffin. “We’ll continue to work at it.”

“It’s been very transparent and honest with yourself of what you need to do to take that next step,” said Coach Franklin. “Whether it’s recruiting at a higher level out of high school or getting more guys from the portal.”

Teams like Ole Miss and Penn State will have a chance to get a bit closer to those at the top by default next season when college football’s 12-team playoff will make its debut.

It also helps Ole Miss that the Rebels have had one of the top transfer portal team rankings in the country.

Penn State is favored by 4 and a half in the Peach Bowl, it kicks off Saturday at noon on ESPN.