UW wary of Penn State’s ability to hit big plays

MADISON – Wisconsin linebacker

T.J. Edwards understands what drives Penn State’s offense.

“They’ve always had that big-play ability – running back, receiver and quarterback,” Edwards said after practice Monday. “Guys who can break it open on any play.

“We’re definitely focused on being very sound in what we’re doing.”

The ability of UW’s defense to limit Penn State’s big plays could determine the outcome when the teams meet at 11 a.m. Saturday at Beaver Stadium.

The Nittany Lions’ offense has generated 48 plays of 20 yards or longer through nine games, an average of 5.3 per game. That includes 32 pass plays, seven for touchdowns; and 16 runs, six for touchdowns.

Thirty of Penn State’s 51 scoring drives in regulation have lasted 2 1⁄2 minutes or less.

UW’s defense has surrendered 33 plays of 20 yards or longer in nine games, an average of 3.7 per game.

That number is 4.7 per Big Ten game, however, with 28 plays of 20 yards or longer allowed in six games.

Freshman wide receiver KJ Hamler leads the way for Penn State’s offense with nine receptions of 20 yards or longer, including four touchdowns.

Tailback Miles Sanders has seven plays of 20 yards or longer. That includes six runs, two for touchdowns, and one pass.

Quarterback Trace McSorley has six runs of 20 yards or longer, though he is nursing a right-knee injury and was pulled from the 42-7 loss at Michigan last week.

Penn State coach James Franklin hasn’t provided many details on the severity of McSorley’s injury, which occurred two weeks ago against Iowa.

Senior Tommy Stevens, who took over for McSorley at Michigan, has completed 6 of 9 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. He has also rushed 18 times for 58 yards and two touchdowns.

“Very talented,” safety D’Cota Dixon said of the Penn State offense. “The quarterback took a shot. Not sure what his health status is but he is a great player. Dynamic for what they do, for who

they are. Great talent around him.

“It will be a good test, a good challenge for us.”

Dixon receives another honor: Senior safety D’Cota Dixon has been named one of 12 semifinalists for the 2018 Wuerffel Trophy, given annually to the player who combines community service with athletic and academic achievement.

From the infirmary: Nose tackle Olive Sagapolu, who suffered a right-arm injury at Northwestern, is out this week and is set to miss his second consecutive game.

Cornerbacks Deron Harrell (right leg) and Travian Blaylock (right leg), safety Scott Nelson (right leg) and fullback Mason Stokke (left leg) are questionable.