See you next year, Penn State football.

At the conclusion of the Nittany Lions’ 38-25 loss to Ole Miss, Penn State’s 2023 football season came to an end. Though it didn’t end the way many had hoped, there was plenty going on in Atlanta beyond the field during the blue and white’s inaugural appearance in the Peach Bowl.

Let’s break it down.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium Reaches Near-Capacity

In true Penn State fashion, Mercedes-Benz Stadium sold out for the Peach Bowl, and the bowl reported 71,230 folks piled into the stadium.

It was hard for the Nittany Lions’ typical White Out to overwhelm the Rebel fans’ red apparel — especially with bright red stadium seating — but the stadium was packed regardless.

Penn State Travels To Atlanta In Droves

To absolutely no one’s surprise, Atlanta was crawling with Nittany Lions in the days leading up to and during the Peach Bowl. Penn Staters from near and far traveled by plane, train, and automobile to Atlanta to support the Nittany Lions in their Peach Bowl debut.

Peach Bowl Merch Kinda…Sucks?

This may not be the consensus of all, but the Peach Bowl merchandise was fairly disappointing.

While overpriced t-shirts are the price fans pay to prove bowl game attendance, the Penn State-specific merch left much to be desired. Where were the Chick-fil-A novelty items and peach-peppered hoodies?

The Family Clothesline, you won this battle.

Sue Paterno In Attendance To Recognize Joe

Penn State’s First Lady, Sue Paterno, made the trip south to Atlanta to represent her husband, the late Joe Paterno, as a former recipient of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award.

Sue elicited an eruption from Penn State fans when she and Joe were honored during the halftime presentation.

Steve Jones & Jack Ham Broadcast 300th Football Game Together

Penn State football broadcasters Steve Jones and Jack Ham broadcasted their 300th football game together at the Peach Bowl.

The pair has graced Penn State football broadcasting booths since 2000 and have become integral to the blue-and-white gameday experience.

More Special Guests In Attendance

Alongside Sue Paterno, notable Penn Staters in the Peach State included former Nittany Lion and NFL linebacker LaVar Arrington and university President Neeli Bendapudi.

Bendapudi and her grandson hyped up Nittany Lions at Friday night’s pep rally ahead of the big game, too.

Penn State’s Newest Coordinators Make Trip

Though neither called any plays in the team’s loss to Ole Miss, recently hired coordinators Tom Allen and Andy Kotelnicki were with the Nittany Lions all week leading up to and throughout the Peach Bowl.

While the duo gets adjusted to life in Happy Valley, Anthony Poindexter led the defense, and Ja’Jaun Seider and Ty Howle called plays for the offense during the bowl game.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium Camera Operators & DJ: Do Better

The second half was purely dismal for players, fans, and coaches alike.

As Ole Miss continued to tack on to its considerable lead in the second half, Mercedes-Benz Stadium camera operators heavily keyed in on Rebel fans on the jumbotron. Simultaneously, “Throw It Up” by Lil Jon & The East Side Boys and Pastor Troy rang through the stadium at, what felt like, every, single break, riling up Rebel fans to no end.

If I never hear “Throw It Up” again, it’ll be too soon. Show some empathy, Mercedes-Benz. I’m still waiting to hear “Zombie Nation” literally one, singular time, but OK.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium Is Awesome

Aside from a biased DJ, Mercedes-Benz Stadium was pretty cool. The venue was incredible, and warm, and provided the perfect location for Penn State’s first Peach Bowl.

Tears Shed As Seniors Play In Final Game As Nittany Lions

At the end of the 2023 season, with it go many longtime Nittany Lions from the program. Olu Fashanu, Chop Robinson, Johnny Dixon, and Kalen King opted out of the bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft, but five other draft-bound Penn Staters ran it back one last time.

Though tears and disappointment were heightened after the loss, a new chapter begins in 2024, highlighted by a top-25 signing class, new competitors in the Big Ten, and an expanded College Football Playoff.