Penn State Football vs Ball State: Reasons for optimism … and worry

Penn State Football Reason to Worry: Ellis Brooks OUT for First Half

Linebacker Ellis Brooks was the player of the game for Penn State’s defense against Wisconsin, and I unofficially awarded him a game ball for his performance.

However, Brooks was ejected for targeting in the fourth quarter of that game, so he will have to miss the first half of the Ball State matchup.

Jesse Luketa will takeover at the middle linebacker position during Brooks’ absence, and Luketa seemed to be much better off playing defensive end this past week. Luketa has been a liability at times during past seasons at linebacker, which is why he has switched to more of a hybrid role this season.

Not only will Luketa likely not have the impact at linebacker that Brooks would, but that provides less depth at defensive end if he is not able to rotate in at that position. Defensive end is already a position that lacks for depth.

Once again, if everyone else both sides of the ball does their job, Ellis Brooks’ missing the first half will not be a problem.