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This week on the Blue White Round Table the Penn State bloggers take a look at this weekend’s game against Northwestern. Be sure to check out Black Shoe Diaries later today for a full round up.
1. The “Bend-But-Don’t-Break” defense is supposed to prevent the big play and force the opposition to put together a long, mistake-free drive if it wants to score. Last week against Purdue, the Nittany Lion defense did the opposite, giving up multiple plays of 20 yards or more while forcing drive killing turnovers. What was the reason for that difference – a shift in defensive philosophy or just uncharacteristic breakdowns?
I think the defense was just a little less prepared than usual last week. Tom Bradley admitted in the post game press conference that the team had some lighter practices leading up to the game after the big, emotionally uplifting (?) win against Iowa the week before. I think taking a step back in practices is ultimately what evolved to a defense that was not at the top of their game more than anything else.
That said, the defense came up big when it counted the most, forcing a three-and-out and a turnover on downs on Purdue’s final two possessions of the game, with the Boilermakers down five. This defense is darn good and even when they are not at the top of the game they find ways to get the job done, but the defense will not be able to afford another sub-par performance in the second half with the schedule they have, including this weekend.
2. Silas Redd has gained 100 yards or more in each of the last three games. Last year, he rushed for 131 yards and an eye popping 11.9 yards per carry against Northwestern. Do you expect a repeat performance this week?
We may not see 11.9 ypc but I would be surprised if we don’t see a big day out of Redd. Northwestern’s run defense is nothing too special, ranked 72nd in the nation (172.17 ypg allowed) and they have given up more rushing touchdowns (15) than any Big Ten team (Indiana is next with 11). We have seen Redd’s workload increase a little bit each week and that’s a good thing because it means he has become the focla point of the offense. I would be surprised if he doesn’t rush for 100 yards, and I’ll say he goes for 120 yards and a touchdown.
3. Dan Persa is still Northwestern’s best offensive weapon. How can Penn State make sure they contain him?
I have been saying this week that the storyline for this game seems a little bit familiar. Wasn’t it just a couple yars ago that Mike Kafka was Northwestern’s best (only) offensive threat? Kafka shredded the Penn State defense in the first half but Penn State made their halftime adjustments and shut down Kafka and Northwestern. Don’t be surprised if the same happens against Persa (who I think is better than Kafka was).
Kafka is still one of the best players in the Big Ten but he is far from great. All Penn State’s defense should need to do is what they have been doing all along this season. Kafka will make some plays and extend some drives, but he needs a tougher supporting cast if he is going to take down this defense, which I expect will be a little extra motivated after last weekend.
4. In our Indiana Roundtable, we wondered whether Nate Stupar could keep up the frenetic pace set by Mike Mauti. How do you feel Stupar’s played since returning to the starting lineup? Has the defense missed a beat?
It sure looks as though Stupar has ensured the defense has not missed a beat, and I expected Stupar to play well in place of Mauti. The kid is a fifth-year senior who knows exactly what this program and defense is all about and I didn’t think that he would waste this opportunity. He has come up with turnovers and kept a senior presence on the field, and I think the players around him have fed off of that a little bit.
The second half of the season will be a solid test though with tougher games ahead. Stupar and the defense will be tested to see just what kind of character they have.
5. Predictions.
Don’t be shocked if Penn State is losing at halftime, but look for this defense to hold off Persa and Northwestern long enough for the offense to find a way to win (sort of like the Temple and Indiana game). In the end, I say Penn State 23, Northwestern 17
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