Penn State offense has produced, but defense has been even better [opinion]
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Penn State dispatched three non-conference opponents, just like it has done every year since 2017.
Predicting what the 3-0 Nittany Lions will do in Big Ten play, which begins this coming Saturday (5 p.m., TV-Peacock) against Wisconsin at Beaver Stadium, is less certain.
We’ve learned some things about them and first-year Penn State coach Matt Campbell and his staff in their wins over Marshall, Temple and Buffalo.
Rocco Becht is a confident and competent quarterback who can throw deep passes extremely well.
The Lions finally have wide receivers who can create separation and make difficult catches and a deep stable of running backs.
They have three future NFL tight ends in Ben Brahmer, Andrew Rappleyea and Gabe Burkle.
The starting offensive line can move defenders and can protect Becht and Alex Manske.
Yet there’s room for the offense to grow. The defense, on the other hand, has a chance to be one of the better groups in the Big Ten and in the country.
Penn State smothered Buffalo in its 55-13 cakewalk Saturday, limiting the Bulls to 60 passing yards and 1-of-15 conversions on third down and holding them to under 100 total yards until a scoring drive against reserves in the fourth quarter.
In fact, the first-team defense has yet to allow a touchdown.
“They play very cohesively, whether they’re playing coverage or bringing pressure,” Buffalo coach Pete Lembo said. “You’re looking at some elite players, and they can roll through them, too. They roll two or three deep through at each position. They’re able to stay fresh.
“That’s a good football team, and I’m sure they’re going to have a lot of success this year.”
The Lions rank second nationally in passing yards allowed (90), third in points allowed (7.3 per game) and fifth in total yards allowed (201).
They received a lift Saturday with the return of defensive tackles Armstrong Nnodim and Alijah Carnell. But Siale Taupaki and Keanu Williams, the starters, have clogged the middle and allowed linebackers and safeties to make stops since the opener.
With Alex Tatsch back at full strength, the linebackers are talented and versatile. They run to the ball and tackle well. Tatsch and Kooper Ebel stood out against Buffalo, but Tony Rojas and Caleb Brezina have had their moments as well.
The secondary, however, has been the best position group on the team. Marcus Neal Jr., Jeremiah Cooper and Jamison Patton are experienced and punishing safeties. Neal forced two Buffalo fumbles and recovered one.
Cornerbacks Audavion Collins, Daryus Dixson and Zion Tracy also have been superb, helping to hold opponents without a completion longer than 16 yards when they’ve been on the field.
“Those guys are unbelievable,” Ebel said about the cornerbacks. “I’ve seen those guys put in so much work behind the scenes, AC (Collins), Zion, all of them. I can speak for days. I swear they never get tired.
“After practice, they’re out there for another 30 minutes. They’re the first guys on the field and the last guys off the field. They’re super impressive.”
Penn State’s defense has looked speedy, flying to the ball consistently. Now, though, the Lions will be facing teams that are faster and stronger than their non-conference opponents.
“When our mistakes show up, it’s when we’re trying to do too much,” Ebel said, “which is a good thing in a sense because it’s fixable. When we’re clicking and things are going smoothly, it’s when guys are just doing their jobs.
“I’ve been pleased. We obviously have a long way to go. The competition is going to continue to ramp up through Big Ten play, but we’re ready for it.”
The Lions’ next four games will largely shape their season: Wisconsin, at Northwestern, USC for the White Out and then at Michigan. They will be tested in each one.
“I’m feeling very comfortable in this defense,” Neal said. “You know, D-Lynn (defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn) does a great job of coaching us up on everything. So do our position coaches.
“So I feel very comfortable in this defense. We’ve only got room to keep growing.”
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