Penn State Football: will the Nittany Lions get better or get worse at each position on defense?

Can the Penn State Football defense be even better than in 2021?

Judging off of my predictions that three of five position groups on defense (defensive end, linebacker, and safety) will likely regress, with the other two (defensive tackle and cornerback) being improved, it’s safe to say that this defense could be slightly worse than last year’s.

Although, as mentioned previously, defensive end is a ‘swing-position’, and in the event that it swings in the positive direction, could make a world of difference for Penn State Football. We know the secondary will once again be among the nation’s best, but if opposing quarterbacks have too much time in a clean pocket, receivers will eventually get open. However, if the defensive ends – and really the front seven as a whole – can become effective in the pass-rush department, this can once again be a top ten defense in college football.

Another variable that needs to be considered is the new defensive coordinator: Manny Diaz, who could be even better than Brent Pry was.

Diaz features a more aggressive philosophy and disguises a lot of his pressures and coverages, making things difficult – both pre- and post-snap – on the opposition.

While defensive coordinator could be a slight upgrade, there is still too much turnover to believe that Penn State’s defense won’t take a step back in the coming season.

The Nittany Lions allowed just 17.3 points per game last year (tied for sixth in the country), 352.5 yards per game (38th), as well as held opponents to just a 66.7% scoring rate in red zone trips (third in the country), and allowed just a 35.8% third down conversion rate (38th); all of that made them one of the country’s top defenses in 2021.

Don’t expect quite the same level of dominance by this year’s defense, as they’ll likely regress slightly, but do expect them do once again be a great defense that is above average or better in virtually every measurable category.

Plus, an improved offense (than can convert on third down, move the sticks, and extend drives) should make the defense’s job easier, as they will not have to spend as much time on the field as they did a year ago.