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Micah Parsons impressed by Penn State defense in scoreless first half

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby:Jonathan Wagner•09/04/21•

Jonathan Wagner

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Stacy Revere via Getty Images.

Former Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons is a big fan of how the Nittany Lions’ defense looks in the season opener against Wisconsin. As Penn State’s defense shut down Wisconsin’s offense in the first half, Parsons took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the defensive performance.

“Bend don’t break, Parsons tweeted. “This defense is special!”

The first half was a defensive showdown between Penn State and Wisconsin

Wisconsin was forced to punt on each of its two offensive possessions. The Badgers drove down the field on their third possession but missed a field goal and the game remained scoreless. Wisconsin again drove down the field on its fourth possession, but a big turnover again kept the game scoreless. Quarterback Graham Mertz was tackled at the Penn State 13-yard line and fumbled, and Penn State’s Nick Tarburton recovered. The Badgers punted on their next possession.

At the end of the first half, Wisconsin had just 132 total yards. While the Badgers were able to move the ball down the field on a couple of possessions, Penn State held strong and kept the game scoreless.

Unfortunately for Penn State, its offense was completely eliminated against Wisconsin’s elite defense. At halftime, Penn State had just one first down with 42 total yards. The Nittany Lions had just two rushing yards in the first half. Wisconsin and Penn State both have strong defenses and that is undoubtedly on display in the opening game.

Micah Parsons has been part of a few strong Penn State defenses

As a freshman in 2018, Parsons totaled 82 tackles, four tackles four loss, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. In 2019, Parsons had 109 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, five sacks, five passes defended, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He established himself as one of college football’s elite linebackers and one of the best defensive players in the nation.

Parsons opted out of the 2020 season. Despite not playing last season, Parsons was still one of the first defensive players taken in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Dallas Cowboys took Parsons 12th overall to try and lead its defense that is in need of a major influx of talent.

The game between Penn State and Wisconsin very well could turn into a battle to see who scores first. Either way, the early returns on Penn State’s defense are positive, at least according to Parsons.