Penn State acknowledges shadow of Manny Diaz and empowers Tom Allen to be his own man

ThomasFrankCarr

tom-allen-penn-state-football-on3 — While there's overlap in structure and style, Penn State defensvie coordinator Tom Allen brings his own style to Happy Valley. Did Penn State find the right man to sidestep the shadow that Diaz cast in his brief time at Penn State? (Photo: Greg Pickle/BWI)

Last season, the Penn State defense reached one of its highest peaks under head coach James Franklin. Former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz used his second season in Happy Valley to refine and perfect his defense with the Nittany Lions. The result is that the team produced the best statistical defense in college football. Diaz's squad allowed only 223 total yards per game. More importantly, they were able to keep Penn State in games against Ohio State and Michigan despite a struggling offense. So when Diaz left for Duke to be the next head coach of the Blue Devils, there was a feeling among some to keep the party going. A popular candidate for the vacant job was safeties coach Anthony Poindexter, who is captaining the defense in the interim and will call the bowl game along with analyst Robb Smith.