Is Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton playing today vs. Ohio State?

Penn State is always loaded with edge rushers and this season has been no exception. After losing Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac to the NFL this past offseason, new defensive coordinator Tom Allen moved Abdul Carter from linebacker to defensive end and elevated former five-star Dani Dennis-Sutton to a starting role to give his team one of the best pass-rushing tandems in college football. 

Dennis-Sutton has been productive this year, posting 21 quarterback pressures despite only having two sacks, but in Penn State’s 28-13 win over Wisconsin in Week 9, Dennis-Sutton left the game in the first half with what appeared to be an upper-leg non-contact injury, either quad or groin. It was reported in the second half by NBC sideline reporter Kathryn Tappen that it was a groin injury and Dennis-Sutton did not play the remainder of the game. 

Dennis-Sutton’s replacement, fifth-year veteran Amin Vanonver, posted a career-high 5 quarterback pressures and was stellar in the run game against the Badgers. Vanover would be in line to start opposite Carter if Dennis-Sutton is unable to play in Week 10 against Ohio State. 

Regardless of who starts along Penn State’s defensive line, they should have success against a depleted Ohio State offensive line. After losing star left tackle Josh Simmons for the season in their loss to Oregon, the Buckeyes started Zen Michalski at left tackle against Nebraska and struggled to move the ball. Michalski allowed four QB pressures on PA-native Will Howard and was eventually carted off the field after sustaining a significant injury. 

All-American left guard Donovan Jackson will likely kick out to left tackle to replace Michalski with Luke Montgomery filling in at guard. 

Dani Dennis-Sutton latest injury update:

At his Monday media availability, head coach James Franklin announced that Dani Dennis-Sutton would be a game-time decision for Saturday’s game against Ohio State at Beaver Stadium. Franklin did not provide an update following Wednesday’s practice.