James Franklin credits Manny Diaz for impact on Penn State defense

In the first four games of the season, the Penn State Nittany Lions defense has looked every bit the part of a national championship-contending unit. As they continue their 2023 campaign, head coach James Franklin anticipates things will only improve on that side of the ball for a melody of reasons.

As the Nittany Lions gear up for their Week 5 contest against the Northwestern Wildcats, Franklin divulges the factors he believes have contributed to Penn State’s defensive dominance early on.

“Yeah, I think Manny [Diaz] has done a really nice job, obviously. I think our defensive staff has done a really nice job, and I think the players,” said Franklin.

“We’re in a position where we’re keeping guys fresh. We’re playing a lot of guys. We’ve got talent and depth. And I think our guys are getting more comfortable and more consistent playing within the scheme. I think Year 2 plays a part in it as well; it’s kind of all those things. From a scheduling perspective, opening up with a Power-5 opponent who’s playing well, we’ve been tested as well. So, I think we’re doing a good job.”

Penn State’s defense put together arguably their best performance of the year last weekend against Iowa. The Nittany Lions pitched a shutout, beating their formerly ranked Big Ten foe 31-0. This feat is nothing to be scoffed at, as the Hawkeyes have been a nuisance to the Nittany Lions, beating them consistently since the 2020 season. And while much can be said about the performance of their offense led by star quarterback Drew Allar, Franklin took some time to tip his hat to his defensive coordinator, Manny Diaz, for the job he’s done with the defense over the past two seasons.

“Manny’s done a really good job of not just from a scheme standpoint but leading that side of the ball,” said Franklin. “And all the assistants have done a really great job in terms of reinforcing the overall message of the program and, specifically, Manny’s as well.”

Diaz and the Penn State defense have a unique challenge ahead of them when it comes to Northwestern. The Wildcats were believed to be a program in disarray following the firing of longtime head coach Pat Fitzgerald amidst allegations of a toxic hazing culture under his watch. But Northwestern has looked solid, as they are 2-2 in the early part of the season. In their two wins on the season, the Wildcats have scored 38 and 37, respectively, with the 37 coming last weekend against Big Ten rival Minnesota.