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Defensive Report Card Through 2 Weeks

By Lawrence Santa Maria

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter of the NCAA football game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020.Ohio State Faces Penn State In Happy Valley
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter of the NCAA football game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020.Ohio State Faces Penn State In Happy Valley /
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Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter of the NCAA football game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020.Ohio State Faces Penn State In Happy Valley
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter of the NCAA football game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020.Ohio State Faces Penn State In Happy Valley /

Defensive Line

Grade: B

The Penn State football defensive line has been solid, hence the B grade, however has yet to look dominant through two games. The defensive line is responsible for only three of the team’s five sacks, and four and a half tackles for loss.

The standouts to this point have undoubtedly been senior defensive end Shaka Toney and senior defensive tackle Antonio Shelton. Toney has two sacks on the season, both of which came on back to back plays late in the game against Indiana in which “should” have won the Nittany Lions the game.

Shelton has been a disruptor, living in offensive backfields with a sack and tackle for loss against Ohio State. This defense needed this group to be dominant this season, both in rushing the passer and stopping the run. Penn State was stout on the ground against the Hoosiers, however allowed Ohio State to run for 208 yards Saturday night, while rarely even getting close enough to quarterback Justin Fields to breathe on him. Redshirt sophomore defensive end Jayson Oweh came into the season highly touted as a potential “breakout star” candidate, but has been rather non existent to this point of the season. Oweh has yet to record a sack and is only responsible for half a tackle for loss.

The defensive front is going to need someone to step up a become a full time game wrecker if Penn State is going to turn the season around.

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