Penn State football: 5 Players that are key to a victory over Maryland

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 24: Micah Parsons #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions tackles Javon Leake #20 of the Maryland Terrapins during the second half at Beaver Stadium on November 24, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

5. Micah Parsons, LB

Speaking of slow starts, Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons was a bit quiet for the first couple of games to begin the year in 2019. After a dominant freshman season, many expected Parsons to pick up where he left off from last year.

That didn’t happen though. Not right away at least. However, Parsons got back on track against Pitt. Without the sophomore linebacker on the field, I’m not sure if Penn State wins that game against their in-state rival two weeks ago.

They will need a repeat performance from Parsons this week as they take on Maryland. Parsons was flying all over the field, making tackles and even disrupting the backfield two weeks ago. Pitt’s offense responded well to the pressure during week three, but I’m not sure if Maryland would do the same. Again, pressure will be critical to a win this week, and some Parsons blitzes early on could put Maryland in a world of trouble on Friday night.

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