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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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Oct 31, 2020; University Park, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Master Teague III (33) runs the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Ellis Brooks (13) attempts to tackle during the first quarter of a NCAA football game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oct 31, 2020; University Park, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Master Teague III (33) runs the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Ellis Brooks (13) attempts to tackle during the first quarter of a NCAA football game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK /

Linebackers

Grade: B

This linebackers group took a big hit in August when Parons opted out of the season due to covid concerns. Parsons is thought to be a top 10 pick in April’s NFL draft, and is a huge loss for this Penn State football defense. Sans Parsons, this group has been solid, however it is apparent they are missing that impact player and game wrecker that Parsons was for them.

Redshirt Junior Ellis Brooks has been the lead backer racking up 16 tackles and a tackle for loss. Sophomore, and former 5-star recruit, Brandon Smith has shown flashes of being a big time playmaker, highlighted by his vicious sack of Justin Fields late in the fourth quarter Saturday night.

plays down hill with speed and instincts, and it shows to the tune of five tackles, a sack and one and a half tackles for loss. As I noted above, the run defense was as good as you could have hoped vs the Hoosiers, allowing only 41 yards on 26 carries.

The story is different against the Buckeyes, and it looked as if the linebackers were out of position in coverage at times as well, but all in all this group is not the reason Penn State football is 0-2. Parsons left a noticeable void in this defense, however Penn State fans have a lot be excited about with this young linebacker group.

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