Defensive keys for Penn State in Week 11

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The Penn State defense over the past couple of weeks has been highly leaky as of late. While not entirely their fault as the level of competition has risen with each passing game, their inconsistencies have really come to light against ranked opponents. This week, facing off against their second straight top 2 foe, the Nittany Lions have to be focused right from the jump to have a chance against college football's most prolific offense. Here are the keys to shutting them down.

Limit the vertical passing game

This seems like something the Nittany Lions can achieve considering they are ranked 14th nationally in passing yards allowed. Nevertheless, they are facing two elite receivers yet again who can challenge them in many ways. Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt both drive the Hoosiers offensively, but beyond them, there aren't many reliable passing options in their corps. It will thus be up to both AJ Harris and Zakee Wheatley to make critical plays. Penn State's secondary haven't produced many turnovers, with only 5 interceptions this season, and Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza has only thrown 4 picks all year. This is therefore the secondary's chance to prove that their numbers are no fluke.

Contain the running game

While Indiana certainly has one of the best rushing attacks in the nation, I like to think of it as more efficient than explosive. The multiplicity of having both Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black in the backfield, who have combined for over 1,200 yards, give them multiple options, but by averaging 5.74 yards per carry, add a more workmanlike element to an offense that is already hyper explosive. It will be up to players such as Amare Campbell to fill run fits and be disciplined on outside zone schemes that Indiana could throw their way. Especially now that their right guard is out for this game, Penn State can exploit that weakness in their interior and be sure to limit at least one half of Indiana's dynamic offense.

Find a way to get off the field

This task will prove to be hardest of all because it is perhaps the Nittany Lion's greatest flaw..and Indiana's greatest strength offensively. Not only does Indiana score points in bunches, they also know how to retain possession and be aggressive with it. They rank 4th nationally in time of possession, while Penn State rank among the worst teams in the nation. in terms of third and fourth down stop rate. Just last week, they allowed the Buckeyes to convert on six of nine third downs and one fourth down attempt as well. Penn State needs to figure out a way to get their defense off the field early adn often before things get too out of hand.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Defensive keys for Penn State in Week 11

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