Sunday Film Study: Penn State defense dominates predictable Washington gameplan

ThomasFrankCarr

AJ Harris Penn State Football On3 — Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback AJ Harris (4) reacts after a pass break up by cornerback Cam Miller (not pictured) resulting in a fourth down for the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State won 35-6. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

There are teams that can play with the Penn State defense, and there are teams that cannot play with the Penn State defense. Each week, the offensive game plan from the opponent hangs in the balance here. If the opposing offensive line can handle the speed and strength of the team's defensive pass rush and interior, it can operate whatever nuances to attack the Nittany Lions it chooses. If that team cannot block Abdul Carter, Zane Durant, and company, there's a strict set of plays that it must follow, created by Bowling Green in September. Mind you, that plan still resulted in a loss, but it's the one that half of Penn State's opponents have chosen this year.