Defense faces big test against Michigan’s efficient offense
Penn State’s defense ranks among the best in the country this season primarily because of its success when opponents have the football inside the 20-yard line.
The Nittany Lions stopped Maryland three times on five trips inside the red zone, which led to a 31-14 victory last weekend.
When No. 23 Penn State (3-3 Big Ten, 6-3) plays No. 9 Michigan (5-1, 8-1) Saturday at noon at Beaver Stadium (TV-ABC), the Lions will be tested by an offense that has mostly capitalized on its opportunities.
The Wolverines rank seventh nationally in red zone offense, scoring 25 touchdowns and 17 field goals on their 45 trips inside the 20. They’ve been effective because of their rushing offense, which averages 234.1 yards a game and ranks seventh.
“That’s going to be a challenge come Saturday,” Penn State coach James Franklin said Tuesday, “because that’s a big part of their identity and who they are. They’re massive up front with the O-line and the tight ends. They have a converted offensive lineman playing tight end.
“They’ve got a big back [Hassan Haskins] who can hammer in there and a quick back [Blake Corum] who also does a great job of breaking tackles and plays with more power than you would think.”
The Lions, on the other hand, are sixth nationally in red zone defense, allowing 10 touchdowns and 12 field goals on 34 attempts. They held Ohio State, which is third in red zone offense, to four field goals and one touchdown on six trips inside the 20 two weeks ago.
Franklin said improving the red zone defense was an offseason priority for him and defensive coordinator Brent Pry.
“There are a lot of ways to reduce space on defense,” Franklin said. “One way is with speed, to be able to close windows and stay in man coverage. The length in the back end of our defense also is important.
“Having two corners [Tariq Castro-Fields and Joey Porter Jr.] over 6-foot, two safeties [Jaquan Brisker and Ji’Ayir Brown] over 6-foot and all of our linebackers [Brandon Smith, Ellis Brooks and Curtis Jacobs] over 6-foot, those things help as well.”
Brown intercepted Taulia Tagovailoa’s pass at the Penn State 13 and returned it for a touchdown against Maryland in the final three minutes. Brisker broke up two late passes in a victory over Auburn, and he and Brown intercepted throws in the final three minutes in a season-opening win at Wisconsin.
“We’ve done a better job in recruiting and developing length in the back end,” Franklin said.
On the other side of the football, Penn State has scored 15 touchdowns and 10 field goals on 28 trips inside the red zone, which is ranked 33rd. Michigan has allowed nine touchdowns and four field goals on only 16 trips inside the 20 by its opponents.
Getting in scoring position will be a chore for the Lions offense, which has just nine touchdowns in the last four games. The Wolverines rank sixth in scoring (16.7) and total defense (298.1 yards) after Jim Harbaugh changed coordinators for this season, hiring Mike Macdonald to replace Don Brown.
“The thing that probably differentiates them right now is having two defensive ends [Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo] that can cause real problems for people,” Franklin said. “If you watched that Michigan State game (a 37-33 Michigan loss), both of those defensive ends showed up with huge plays.
“When you’re able to have a guy on either side, that becomes real challenging. You have to decide how you’re going to deal with both of them. That’s a big factor for them.”