Penn State football's defense was exploited in Week 6 against UCLA in the upset. Linebacker Tony Rojas' long-term injury he sustained before the game put a huge dent in the defense that the Nittany Lions (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) struggled replacing.
In search of a response on defense, Penn State took another blow. True freshman star defensive end Chaz Coleman did not practice on Wednesday, as reported by PennLive. The rest of his defensive end group was present.
No comments on Coleman's absence were reported, so it is unsure if he will return to the field against Northwestern. A further injury or illness report will likely follow on game day.
DE Chaz Coleman misses Wednesday practice, brings up more depth concerns for Penn State's defense
The start of Coleman's collegiate career saw early success with seven tackles, including six solo, one sack, one forced fumble with a recovery over three games. He burned his redshirt and head coach James Franklin gave him the green light before the season. If he is unavailable against the Wildcats, that is another tough blow for the defense that finds itself in a bruised position already.
Colenan added young talent to a defense led by veterans, like Rojas, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Zane Durant, and Zakee Wheatley. He added depth to a defense that already appeared to be strong going into the season.
Like other phases of the Nittany Lions' game, though, the defense showed its weaknesses and lack of national championship qualities. Now without a developing playmaker practicing, that's another hump Penn State will have to overcome. In recent events, the Nittany Lions have not rallied to overcome significant setbacks, such as losing to Oregon.
According to PennLive's Max Ralph, Penn State had another somber practice, which was similar to its response after Week 5. Facing two consecutive losses, the Nittany Lions can't seem to get out of their own way still. Franklin said his team did not bounce back like he thought they would after losing to the Ducks. The blue and white may be on a similar trajectory given the tone of its practice ahead of Northwestern.
Whether Coleman is available on Saturday or not, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is tweaking the defense to tap back into the energy it started the season with. Backup players or starters, every Nittany Lions needs to show up with College Football Playoff chances on the line.