James Franklin praises Manny Diaz, what he has done with Penn State's defense

Penn State is off to a 4-0 start to the season and hasn’t really been tested just yet. One of the reasons for that is the team’s defense has yet to give up more than 15 points in a game, led by defensive coordinator Manny Diaz.

Penn State is now coming off a shutout of a conference foe, beating Iowa 31-0 over the weekend.

“Well Manny’s doing a great job,” coach James Franklin said. “He really has done a really good job of coming in, really embracing our culture and how we do things, but also bringing a perspective on his own as well. The staff has a ton of respect for him. Our players have a ton of respect for him.”

Iowa managed to gain just 76 total yards against Penn State over the weekend, while turning the ball over four times. Generally speaking, that’ll hand the other team a win.

Franklin broke down exactly how he’s constructed this year’s defense, which to date has allowed just 8.8 points per game, good for fourth in the country.

“We put a priority on athleticism,” Franklin said. “There’s probably a few bigger defenses but we are athletic and we’re quick and we’re fast and we’re explosive and we’re playing more consistent, gap-sound defense.

“Manny’s doing a great job from a big-picture leadership perspective, but then also just getting everybody to understand how do you really play defensive football and what it takes.”

Penn State sure seems to have figured it out. Under Manny Diaz, the Nittany Lions rank near the top of the country in just about every statistical category.

The Nittany Lions rank first nationally in total defense and passing defense, as well as passing efficiency defense. They also rank 13th in run defense.

“So obviously we’re doing some pretty good things, and I think Mike (Yurcich)‘s doing a great job on offense, I think Manny’s doing a great job on defense,” Franklin said. “We’ve just got to continue building it, and obviously the assistant coaches are doing a great job in terms of reinforcing the overall plans. But Manny’s done a great job and we’re fortunate and blessed to have him and his family here with us.”