There have already been a couple of articles about Penn State's offense at 11W this week - so there's really no need to cover old ground in that regard. But for those who would like a look at the other side of the ball as well, here is some basic information on the Nittany Lions' defense.
The statistics may not be terribly reliable given the level of competition Penn State has faced over the first six weeks. The only top 50 offense they've faced so far was a somewhat banged-up Indiana squad last week. (According to NCAA statistics*, the Hoosiers are ranked 31st nationally in total offense)
But the Lions look to be strong defensively, in any case. Penn state runs a base 4-3. They are only giving up 275.7 total yards and 14.3 points per game. PSU is ranked 26th nationally verses the run - giving up 117.0 yards per game - - and they're 13th - yielding 158.7 ypg against the pass
To help put that in to some sort of perspective, the Buckeyes are giving up an average of 308.2 yards per game - and 17.3 points. OSU is 56th verses the run (152.7 ypg) and 9th against the pass (147.5 ypg).
By the way, here's an interesting little factoid. Penn State is ranked 10th and Ohio State 19th nationally in total defense - but the Lions are giving up an average of 4.23 yards per play while the Buckeyes are yielding 4.11.
It shouldn't be too surprising that Penn State's leading tackler is their middle linebacker, Jason Cabina.** What is remarkable however, is that the second-leading tackler is defensive tackle, Austin Johnson. At 6'4" 323lbs, Johnson generally fills the 1 technique role for the Lions. Obviously, it's rather unusual to see that kind of production from that particular position.
Johnson is just one member of a very stout PSU defensive line. Following a solid 2014 season, the other starting tackle, Anthony Zettel, was on a lot of pre-season watch lists. Defensive end, Garrett Sickels is also a solid player
The biggest surprise however, has to be at the other defensive end spot - where former walk-on Carl Nassib is leading the nation with 10 sacks after only six games. A 6'6", 270lb fifth-year Senior, Nassib also has five forced fumbles to his credit. Interestingly enough, he'd done very little prior to this season to indicate he was capable of this level of play. This is his first year as a starter at any level of football.***
Along with solid performances from Nassib, Johnson, Cabina and others, as a team, the Nittany Lions are among the nation's leaders in sacks with 25 through six games.
One might expect solid play at linebacker from a program formerly known as "Linebacker U". Cabina is joined by two serviceable outside linebackers, Brandon Bell (6'1" 231) and Troy Reeder (6'1" 235").
The defensive backfield is rather unremarkable. It might be expected that, given the kind of pressure the defensive line generates, the secondary would have better numbers. They've had only three picks this season as a group, for instance. One of their starting corners, Grant Haley, is listed at only 5'9", incidentally.
It will be surprising if this isn't the area Ohio State's offense attacks early and often.
Due to Penn State's impressive pass rush, expect to see lots of quick passes to the perimeter as well as some mis-direction in the running game. The Buckeye wide receivers and H-backs could be in for a big night. It's also worthy of note that Nick Vannett has at least a four to five inch height advantage over anybody in the Lions' back-seven (other than 6'2" starting safety, Marcus Allen).
Clearly, the more favorable match-up will be when Ohio State's 26th ranked defense is on the field with Penn State's 103rd ranked offense. In the Buckeyes' first-ever "black-out", the atmosphere could become overwhelming for a struggling Lions' offense. The PSU placekicker has been having some issues, too. For those reasons and more, this game could get out of hand in the early going -
Prediction: Penn State - 17 Ohio State - 42
*http://ww.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/team/22
**http://www.ourlads.com/ncaa-football-depth-charts/depth-chart/penn-state/91671
