Penn State football: 5 Players that are key to a win over Michigan

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 05: KJ Hamler #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 5, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2 of 6

STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 14: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers drops back to pass as Shaka Toney #18 of the Penn State Nittany Lions defends during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 14, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

1. Shaka Toney, DE

Here, I wanted to throw in Yetur Gross-Matos, as he’s been a key contributor on the Lions’ defense, disrupting the backfield. Last week though, Gross-Matos went down with an injury, and his status is up in the air for Saturday as of now.

There’s a possibility Gross-Matos plays, but there’s also a possibility that he might not be one-hundred percent. Therefore, another leader on the defensive line will have to step up for him. We shouldn’t have any doubts about Shaka Toney taking over on the edge.

At this point in the season, Gross-Matos and Shaka Toney are neck and neck, competing for the season-high sack total for the Lions. Right now, Toney has 5.5 sacks, while Gross-Matos had five. Obviously, the hope is that Gross-Matos is able to play, but regardless of whether he does or doesn’t, Toney will be expected to step up and cause issues for the Wolverine offense.

Home/Penn State Football