Penn State defensive improvement in focus: Practice higlights
I’m Thomas Frank Carr, and These are your Penn State practice highlights. We’re taking you inside the gates of the Lasch practice facility each week to see how the team is preparing for its next game. Be sure to like the video and subscribe to the Blue White Illustrated YouTube channel so you never miss the action.
Penn State ready to learn from a win
Penn State football defeated West Virginia 38-15 last weekend at Beaver Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd. However, that doesn’t mean it was a perfect game for the Nittany Lions. Head coach James Franklin was happy with his defense for playing their best at the right moments but thinks the group needs to correct some issues heading into the game against Delaware this weekend.
Linebacker Abdul Carter struggled at times during the event but was still a critical part of the gameplan for the Nittany Lions. Franklin preached patience with the budding superstar.
“But I think you’ll see his production continue all season long starting this week just to continue to elevate.
I know he’s got really high expectations and standards for himself and so do we, but trust me, we’re glad he’s in there, and we’ve got to remember he’s still a young player, started as a true freshman, so he’s still a young player who’s growing and learning.”
Defense focusing on details
The defensive ends didn’t see as much action as they probably wanted, but West Virginia deployed extra resources to stop them, according to Franklin, who called it a sign of respect. Working through those extra chip blocks and maintaining their rush lanes will be a critical area of improvement for Chop Robinson, Adisa Isaac, and Dani Dennis-Sutton, who will see it plenty this year.
Finally, we’ll check in on standout quarterback Drew Allar, your big ten offensive player of the week. Yep, still throws an awesome ball. He and the Penn State offense were efficient on Saturday, but working on scoring in the redzone, where the team came up empty twice in the first half. The offense put up 38 points but seven came with only four seconds left when the backups entered the game. Getting points on every drive that the team is in scoring position is something they must do against Big Ten opponents.
Penn State running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton were highly efficient, averaging over five yards a carry, but only managed a combined long run of 14 yards. Breaking a big run is coming and should be something they do this week. Finally, the Nittany Lions were 3-9 on third down, another area they’ll need to improve as the season goes on.
That’s your look at Penn State practice highlights; I’m Thomas Frank Carr.
