Penn State Football: Keys to the Game vs Rutgers
By Corey Hunter
Key No. 3 – Rutgers Pass Defense
The Scarlet Knights do have some redeeming qualities – their pass defense is one of the best in the Big Ten. Of course there are some reasons why Rutgers has such a good pass defense. Since teams are running the ball essentially unfettered, why pass the ball? A fair question given that every team that has faced Rutgers has attempted at least 30 rushes.
Another reason for such a staunch pass defense is the play of the Rutgers defensive linemen, especially defensive end Julian Pinnix-Odrick – half brother to former Penn State standout Jared Odrick. This week Penn State labeled the linemen as potential “game-wreckers”. Of course only time will tell if they are able to thwart the Penn State offensive game plan.
Pinnix-Odrick leads the Scarlet Knights with 4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss while fellow defensive end Darnell Davis has a sack and 6.5 tackles for loss.
Those are just a few reasons why Rutgers has only allowed three teams to even pass for 200 yards in a game. On Saturday night look for the Lions to throw a few deep early hoping for a long connection or two. That should loosen the defense for Barkley to romp.