Penn State’s pass rush has gone from a point of concern to a group with real momentum, and the timing could hardly be better.
After managing only three sacks across its first two games against Marshall and Temple, the Nittany Lions showed a much different edge against Buffalo. In the 55-13 win, the pressure on Bulls quarterback Jason Wright was constant enough to offer a clearer picture of what this unit might look like as Big Ten play begins.
“I still think that group has grown,” Matt Campbell said on Tuesday. “I feel like what area has made the best growth in three weeks, it’s probably been the ability to watch that group grow forward.”
That progress has come even as Penn State has dealt with major injuries up front. Max Granville was ruled out for the rest of the season after Campbell announced his injury following the Temple win, and LaVar Arrington II is also sidelined for 4-6 weeks, according to Campbell on Sept. 8.
Even with those losses, Penn State has found ways to keep pressure on the quarterback by leaning into versatility. Caleb Bacon’s switch from linebacker to defensive end in August has added another piece to the rotation, and D’Anton Lynn has responded by using four edge rushers on obvious passing downs: Bacon, Yvan Kemajou, Alexander McPherson and Ike Ezeogu.
“The more guys that you can put in different positions to win the one-on-one pass rush, whether it’s against the back or whether it’s against different protections or different players on the offensive line, I think those things are really important,” Campbell said. “But I do think it’s grown immensely over the first three weeks.”
Kemajou said the setup allows the edge group to play off one another and lean into their individual strengths.
“It’s good having all of us out there ready to just rush and get after the quarterback,” Kemajou said. “Being able to be with guys where you can play off each other, rush off each other, is really good.”
The one missing piece so far has been the finish. Penn State’s pressure has improved, but the sacks haven’t piled up, in part because Lynn said quarterbacks have been getting rid of the ball quickly before the rush can close.
Kemajou has been the only edge rusher to register a sack through three games. He’s also made his presence felt against the run, with Lynn calling him “one of our best guys inside.”
Still, Kemajou wants the payoff that comes with all that disruption.
“I want to get there, I want my sack,” Kemajou said. “I think affecting the quarterback is definitely important, but I want to be able to finish the job.”
There’s also a chance for more help to emerge. With Granville and Arrington out, Jackson Ford has a path to a larger role. He has played in all three games, and Lynn said the freshman’s continued growth could lead to more snaps.
“Jackson Ford, he’s been improving each week,” Lynn said. “He’s in the rotation, he just needs to keep on showing it in practice on a daily basis so that we can keep on entrusting to give him those reps on Saturday.”
Now the challenge gets tougher. Penn State opens Big Ten play against Wisconsin, and the Nittany Lions will see Colton Joseph, a quarterback who can make things happen with his legs. Campbell said that makes continued growth from the pass rush especially important, while Kemajou said the formula stays simple.
“Rushing together, making sure we’re closing the pocket down,” Kemajou said. “Make sure QB doesn’t have any place to go outside of just being sacked.”
In Other News...
Penn State Staffer Faces Serious Off-Field Legal Trouble
A Penn State football staffer is facing serious off-field legal trouble after police in downtown State College found Jordan Lucas asleep in a vehicle under circumstances that quickly turned into a legal issue. Lucas, an assistant cornerbacks coach, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of DUI along with three summary traffic violations after the stop, which also involved a suspended drivers license and expired vehicle registration.
Penn State has already acknowledged the charges and said Lucas remains with the program while the legal matter continues. For a coaching staff that has spent much of the season trying to keep the focus on the field, the situation adds an unwelcome off-field storyline involving a relatively new face in the defensive room. [Read more 🡒]
Penn States Offensive Line Just Got Thinner At The Worst Time
Penn States offensive line took another hit at a bad time, with coach Matt Campbell announcing that Will Tompkins is done for the season because of injury. Tompkins had been part of the early rotation, logging 31 snaps over the first three games after transferring in from Iowa State, and he gave the Nittany Lions another experienced body in a group that can rarely afford to lose one.
The longer-term picture still offers something for Penn State to work with, since Tompkins is expected to keep four years of eligibility after this season. For now, though, his absence leaves the staff with one less option up front as the season keeps moving and the line depth gets put under more pressure. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State Just Lost A Dangerous Weapon Before Wisconsin
Penn States receiving group took a hit in the Week 3 win over Buffalo, and it comes at an awkward time with Big Ten play beginning. Koby Howard suffered an injury in that game and head coach Matt Campbell confirmed he will be out for an extended period, leaving the Nittany Lions without their most productive pass catcher heading into Wisconsin.
Howard has led Penn State in receiving yards through three games, so his absence forces a real adjustment in how the offense attacks the field. The injury is not season-ending, but missing him for the opener changes the shape of the passing game and puts more pressure on the rest of the receiving corps to fill the void. [Read more 🡒]