The players and coaching staff at Penn State can say that they spent the entire week focused on defeating Oregon, winning, and getting better.
Why wouldn’t it be? The toughest team the 11-1 Lions will play this season is the unbeaten Ducks, who PSU will play in the Big Ten title game on Saturday night in Indianapolis. Including the playoffs.
However, I can’t help but wonder how the defensive players at Penn State responded to the most recent All-Big Ten selections.
Abdul Carter, the edge rusher for the Lions, deserved to win both the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year awards.
He was selected for the first team unanimously.
However, Carter was the only member of the Lions’ first-team defense.
Security Coaches and players unanimously selected Jaylen Reed and Kobe King for the second team.
A.J. Harris was selected unanimously for the third team at cornerback.
That’s all.
Edge rusher and defensive tackle Zane DurantDennis-Sutton, Dani?demoted to the honorable mention level.
At least three Lions ought to have been selected for the first team defense.
During the regular season, PSU gave up an average of just 14 points per game. The Lions had a 5-0 road record. Examine the unit’s starters and consider the following: How many will be drafted in the end?
The coaches and media in the conference that cast their votes should have given Penn State’s defense more credit. You can be sure that this week’s Lions coaches and defenders were aware of these mistakes.
However, the voting has finished. The Big Ten is no longer the issue.
It’s in Oregon.
The Ducks were a small favorite as of Friday morning, according to the betting line.49.5 is the total.
What Penn State requires:A Lions wideout has to step up to win. What is Harrison Wallace III’s health status? Tyler Warren by himself as a receiver won’t cut it, in my opinion.
Don’t be surprised if: After halftime, the offenses pick up steam. Both Oregon and Penn State have excellent defenses. However, it’s over if any of the skill players take a stride or two into space. There were a few spectacular plays in the last half hour.
My prediction: Both defenses will occasionally appear to be in control. The winning team will be the one with the superior offense. It’s Oregon 24, Penn State 20 in a close game.
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