This year’s Peach Bowl in Atlanta will feature Michigan State vs. Pittsburgh, though the 2 teams on the field will look drastically different than the teams that played much of 2021.

For the Panthers, OC Mark Whipple has left to lead Scott Frost’s offense at Nebraska. Starting QB and Heisman Trophy finalist Kenny Pickett is also foregoing the bowl to prepare for the NFL. Pickett has been joined by starting cornerback Damarri Mathis who is similarly preparing for the NFL.

On the Spartan sideline, star running back Kenneth Walker III is foregoing the bowl. After just one season at Michigan State, Walker has seen his NFL stock skyrocket after an incredible run with the Spartans.

While some of the pieces on the field have shifted, the Peach Bowl still presents an interesting matchup between head coaches Pat Narduzzi and Mel Tucker. Narduzzi rose to prominence as the longtime DC for Mark Dantonio before leaving for the Panthers.

Heading into the matchup, ESPN’s Football Power Index has revealed the odds for the game with the Panthers as big favorites. According to the FPI, Michigan State is given just a 37.7% chance of winning in Atlanta.

Will that prediction hold up, or can Tucker guide the Spartans to 11 wins for the first time since 2015? That contest is set for Thursday, Dec. 30.