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Penn State football: 5 Players to watch vs. Pittsburgh Panthers

By Justin Grasso

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 07: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions attempts a pass against the Buffalo Bulls during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 07, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 07: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions attempts a pass against the Buffalo Bulls during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 07, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – AUGUST 31: Yetur Gross-Matos #99 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Beaver Stadium on August 31, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – AUGUST 31: Yetur Gross-Matos #99 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Beaver Stadium on August 31, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

5. Yetur Gross-Matos, DE

We have to give credit where it’s due to Buffalo. Last week, their offense utilized quick passing plays so they could avoid the rush of this dominant defensive line that Penn State has. However, on plays where they didn’t get the ball out quickly or ran, Buffalo’s offensive line blocked well.

We all know how good Penn State’s defensive line is. But they surely aren’t unstoppable. Last week, we predicted that Yetur Gross-Matos would at least collect two sacks. While he did snag one, he wasn’t nearly dominant enough to pick up a second.

We’re not disappointed by any means, as getting to the quarterback is a tough task. However, it was clear that Gross-Matos was held in check for a good portion of last week’s game. We all know that the defensive line could feed off of what Gross-Matos brings to the table.

If Gross-Matos begins to attract more attention his way because of his dominance, then that could open up opportunities for somebody else on the defensive line. This week, the hope is that Penn State’s defensive line gets in the backfield much quicker early on to help their secondary out a bit. And it all starts with the junior, Yetur Gross-Matos.

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