This Season
Penn State lost its first two games against Ohio (14-24) and Virginia (16-17), but has won every game since those two losses. Penn State has victories against Navy (34-7), Temple (24-13), Illinois (35-7), Northwestern (39-28), and Iowa (38-14). The Iowa game was an impressive win, as it was on the road and the defense only allowed one touchdown, which occurred in garbage minutes with 4:11 remaining in the fourth quarter. Iowa only had 209 offensive yards. This season Penn State averages 149 rushing yards, 257 passing yards, and 28.5 points/game. The defense allows 113 rushing yards, 209 passing yards, and 15.7 points/game.
Offense
Quarterback Matt McGloin has thrown 14 touchdowns and two interceptions. He has completed 62% for 1788 yards, leading the conference in passing yards. The leading receivers are Allen Robinson, Kyle Carter, and Matt Lehman. Robins leads the team with 8 touchdowns. Carter and Lehman are tightends, and they are integral part of the passing game. The running duties have been split among a number of players including Zach Zwinak, Bill Belton, and Derek Day. Belton, who was converted from receiver, had a breakout game at Iowa, with a 103-yard day and three touchdowns. In the previous games Belton only had 133 rushing yards and zero touchdowns.
Defense
At linebacker are Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges, who were both recently named as semifinalists for the Butkus Award. Mauti leads the team with 65 tackles and three interceptions. The leader on the d-line is Jordan Hill, who has 24 career starts. Cornerback Stephon Morris is the most experienced player in the secondary with 20 starts. Morris has 29 tackles this season. Backup cornerback Jesse Della Valle is in his first year as a starter, and he also returns kicks and punts. He had a 46-yard kickoff return against Iowa.
No comments:
Post a Comment