Penn State Football: Week 7 Studs and Duds against Michigan State

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: Garrett Taylor #17 of the Penn State Nittany Lions makes an interception in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 29, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Safety – Garrett Taylor

Safety Garrett Taylor has been an unsung member of the Nittany Lions secondary. He has quietly amassed the second most tackles on the team behind only linebacker Jan Johnson and he has recorded two interceptions which is tied for the team lead with Amani Oruwariye.

Taylor has been a steadying influence on the back end of the Penn State defense all season. Last Saturday was no different. Taylor lead the team with six tackles and hauled in one interception. On the season, the redshirt junior has recorded at least three tackles in every game. His penchant for making plays has made him a name to watch throughout the Big Ten.

Along with safety Nick Scott, they form one of the Big Ten’s top secondary tandems. Taylor appeared in all 13 games last season, but he has quietly bided his time until he could be a starter. That opportunity came this season. He has found himself in the right place at the right time. Both this past weekend and two weekends ago, Taylor found himself the fortunate recipient of a deflected passes. He was able to set up the Nittany Lions in plus territory each time.

Besides his superb play on the gridiron, Taylor also excels in the classroom. Last season Taylor was named an Academic All-Big Ten member and has been on the Penn State Dean’s List.

And now, let’s take a look at the Duds for the week.

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