Penn State defense stands tall, handles quick changes with ease in win over Northwestern
STATE COLLEGE — Penn State did something on Saturady that is rare in college football these days: It held its opponent to less than 300 yards of total offense. That fact is doubly impressive when you consider the fact that coordinator Manny Diaz’s unit did it despite the offense committing five turnovers.
Head coach James Franklin praised how the group was able to react to sudden change quickly following a 17-7 win over Northwestern. The stats tell the story. The Wildcats (1-4) managed to gain only 12 yards over 15 plays on the five drives that started after a Penn State turnover. Overall, they had just 241 yards, seven points, and averaged 3.7 yards per play. The rushing numbers are even worse: Northwestern had 31 yards on 28 carries. All in all, it was a good day for the defense as the Lions improved to 5-0.
“Fortunately for most of the game, our defense was either able to get a turnover bac, or they just played great sudden change defense,” Franklin said.
“They played phenomenal. I think we started the game with five straight three and outs, which which is really, really impressive.”
Penn State also created turnovers. It forced two fumbles and also had an interception. The offense, which did little right on this day, did make those hurt, at least. Fourteen of the Lions’ 17 points came after the defense handed the ball back to the offense with good field position.
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“Obviously, our main thing was not really getting overstressed about the situation,” defensive end Chop Robinson said. “We do what we do [and] play defense like we always do and just give the offense the ball back. That’s why we did pretty good. We were not really stressing about it.”
Penn State defense still has areas for improvement
Penn State was not perfect on this day. It did not need to be. But, it had to be close considering how limited the Lions’ attack was. Third and long continues to be a problem area. But, the pass rush was effective to the tune of five tackles for loss and a sack. Plus, the progam extended its national lead in pass breakups by adding another eight on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
“I just want to go out there every game and play our best football,” safety Ji’Ayir Brown said. “We are a great team. We’re a great team. And, we’re just going to continue to focus and putting our head down. Because, we’ve been a great team before that. But, I’m striving to be an excellent team.
“We’re going to keep building on these games, and enjoy these wins, and keep moving forward and try to execute as much as possible.”
