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Penn State Football: Defense deserves much more credit

By Collin Wieder

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Nick Scott #4 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs with a recovered fumbled punt to score a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half on September 30, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Nick Scott #4 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs with a recovered fumbled punt to score a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half on September 30, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Few people thought Penn State football’s dominance would come from a sweltering defense. But, this group has become a problem for Big Ten offenses.

Turnovers, big hits and unselfish players headline Penn State football’s underrated defensive unit. Defensive coordinator Brent Pry attacks from so many angles with an innumerable amount of weapons. Opposing offenses just wish he’d quit discovering so many playmakers. Unfortunately for the Big Ten, that’s not going to happen.

First of all, this defense has proven its depth with an absurd 24 key contributors on the roster. The reserves on this roster are producing or have shown they can produce in the past. Of course, key players standout like Jason Cabinda, Marcus Allen, Shareef Miller, etc.

With that said, the defense uses a team dynamic to produce. The Nittany Lions have recorded 12 sacks with just one player recording two sacks. Penn State’s been a turnover-forcing machine recording 14 but again no player has recorded more than two.

The group does rely on some playmakers but a lot are newer faces that have stepped up in a big way. Junior corner Amani Oruwariye played quite a bit last year, but he’s been a difference maker this year. He has just eight tackles, but he came up with two huge interceptions in big spots.

Safety Troy Apke saw significant playing last year, but he’s quietly become a reliable player in the secondary. Losing John Reid before the season started hurt. But, this group found different playmakers in order to make up for its lost production.

Furthermore, the defensive line has helped apply that pressure and force poor decisions. Miller leads the pass rush as its most consistent threat with 16 tackles and two sacks. Outside of him, it’s Shaka Toney, Daniel Joseph, Jarvis Miller along with many others. They can operate on pass rush because of a veteran linebacking core.

The athleticism in the center of this defense gives them an edge to cover sideline-to-sideline. Cabinda, Manny Bowen and Brandon Smith found their stride in last week’s game against Indiana. This trio needs to have a nice game against star Northwestern running back Justin Jackson.

Must Read: Penn State at Northwestern: Television Coverage, Announcers, Live Stream

Entering game six, this defense holds opposing offenses under 300 yards per game. Along the way, the defense gives up just 4.1 yards per play. The offense might be the media darling, but the defense deserves similar attention.

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