STATE COLLEGE – Penn State’s once impenetrable rushing defense has been porous the last two games.
The Nittany Lions couldn’t stop Northwestern’s ground attack on a go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter of a 22-21 upset loss Saturday at Beaver Stadium.
With Penn State leading 21-16, the Wildcats’ Caleb Komolafe and Joseph Himon II combined for 34 yards on five carries on a 75-yard scoring drive. Then they sealed the victory by picking up two first downs and 30 yards to run out the clock.
“They gave us an opportunity to win the game, but it didn’t happen,” defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton said.
The Lions returned six starters on defense from a group that finished ninth in the country against the run last season, allowing just 101.9 yards per game. They entered the game ranked 75th, giving up 149.4 yards per game on the ground.
Last week, 24.5-point underdog UCLA rushed for 269 yards against Penn State in a 42-37 victory.
“At the end of the day, the stats and results are what they are,” Penn State coach James Franklin said when asked about the rushing defense. “It’s my responsibility to get it fixed. We will get to work tomorrow and probably even tonight.
“It’s totally on me. We will do everything we can to get it fixed.”
Northwestern reaction: Northwestern, a 22-point underdog, didn’t seem intimidated at all against Penn State.
The Wildcats played a very disciplined game, committing no turnovers and just two penalties for 10 yards. It was their first win over Penn State since 2015 after three straight losses.
“The message was really that we were facing a football team with its back against the wall, maybe even questioning who they are,” Northwestern coach David Braun said. “We knew they’d come out hungry at home, ready to fight.
“We knew Penn State had talent, but we also believed they could be attacked. Our players stepped up, stayed composed in a tough environment and showed who we are as a team.”
Injury report: Offensive lineman Cooper Cousins and linebacker Tony Rojas were among the Penn State players who were listed as out on the Big Ten availability report.
Rojas, who started the first four games, suffered a long-term injury during practice last week and is likely out for the season. Cousins played in the Lions’ first five games as a reserve.
Offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh and J’ven Williams, the former Wyomissing standout, were listed as questionable, along with safety Zion Tracy and running back Cam Wallace.
Donkoh saw limited time at right tackle, but WIlliams, Tracy and Wallace did not play.
Source: Berkshire mont
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