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Penn State Football: 3 Reasons 2023 is the year to make the CFP

By Andrew Adair

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 15: Drew Allar #15 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass while warming up in the second half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 15: Drew Allar #15 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass while warming up in the second half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /
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Sep 10, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Manny Diaz (center) gestures from the sideline during the second quarter against the Ohio Bobcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Manny Diaz (center) gestures from the sideline during the second quarter against the Ohio Bobcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

Manny Diaz Returns

Looking back at the Manny Diaz hire, it has to be one the best for any program in 2022. The defense brought more pressure and dominant the last five games of the season. The Michigan game was the lone blemish on this defenses resume that was implementing a new scheme.

The six years prior under Brent Pry, the defense seemed to let off the gas and give up a touchdown every time a defensive stop would have seized complete control of a game. It was frustrating even though the defenses under Pry were dominant in their own right.

What we learned after a season with Manny Diaz as the Defensive Coordinator is that Penn State is going to bring pressure and try to create chaos the entire game. It fits the personnel that Penn State has perfectly and lets the defense play with a speed that is unusual in the Big Ten.

The return of Manny Diaz is more important to the 2023 season than any player that decided to return or leave. With another offseason the defense is only going to get faster and more comfortable in the system.

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