What went wrong for Penn State Football in heartbreaking loss to Iowa

Penn State Football’s defense can only do so much

The Penn State Football defense is still great, despite the loss. They were in so many situations that were a disadvantage to them, and they did not allow much damage given the circumstances.

Despite 4 turnovers for the offense, and not much production at all in the second half, this defense spent a ton of time on the field. Iowa also had great starting field position more often than not, and the defense did well in those spots.

They inevitably got beat deep once, but when you are on the field for that many plays, you will eventually get beat on a big play.

An Iowa team that averaged about 3.5 yards per carry coming into the game, was held to just 2.4 yards per carry tonight, despite the loss of defensive tackle PJ Mustipher.

This defense accumulated 11 tackles for loss, led by Arnold Ebiketie who had 3.5, including a sack. Ellis Brooks and Jaquan Brisker also played great. Brooks had 14 total tackles, and Brisker had 9 tackles and a pass deflection.

It may go unnoticed following the first loss of the season, but Penn State Football still has one of the top defenses in the country. The fact that they were able to hold onto a lead for as long as they did, despite the offense seemingly going backwards for most of the second half, is quite impressive.