After Penn State’s performance in Philadelphia against Temple, Nittany Lion fans have more to worry about than Christian Hackenberg’s inconsistencies. Two of the most major issues noticed during this game were: 1) how many times Penn State’s offensive line allowed Temple’s defenders to, basically, walk straight up the middle to greet Christian Hackenberg and 2) the effect of started junior linebacker Nyeem Wartman-White’s season ending injury.
The Assessment: Penn State v Temple
The Nittany Lion defensive linemen put in extra effort to put their offensive teammates in a position to score, prime example: Brandon Bell in the second quarter. At the 10:46 mark Bell stripped Temple quarterback P.J. Walker that allowed for a recovery by the Nittany Lions’ Torrence Brown. Two mistakes did not allow for the Nittany Lions to capitalize on the efforts of the defense. On a second down play, Hackenberg was sacked by Tyler Matakevich for a loss of three (3) yards. The following play resulted in an overthrown, potential, touchdown pass to Dae’Sean Hamilton. By the end of the first half, Hackenberg had overthrown three passes. As if the second quarter could not get any worse for the Nittany Lions, one of the worst sights to see is one of the teams leading linebackers leaving the field. At 9:05 in the second quarter, Nyemm Wartman-White left the field due to a season ending injury that has not yet been disclosed by the team.
Although Wartman-White’s exit from the field was a devastating hit, the defense seemed to rally as much as they could to compensate for Wartman-White’s absence. Senior defensive end Carl Nassib, recorded four individual tackles, and senior defensive tackle Anthony Zettel, recorded three individual tackles, both showed their leadership qualities after Wartman-White’s exit. However, the secondary unit of the defense needed a bigger presence. At some points in the game, it was as if the Temple offense caught Penn State’s secondary standing flat footed.
What is needed for a win against the Buffalo Bulls in Beaver Stadium
It is imperative that the offensive line close the middle gap that allows defensive players to have uncontested access to Christian Hackenberg. The offense has to find a way to gain more than a total of 183 yards (103 of those were passing yards). Buffalo recorded 467 yards against Albany in their season opener. Although it is easy to contrast the difference in talent on each team, Albany still recorded 269 yards in which 128 of those yards were from passing—still more than the Nittany Lions’ recorded passing yardage. Starting wide receiver Dae’Sean Hamilton must find a way to have a presence on the field; especially after Nittany Lion fans witnessed his potential star power last season.
The secondary has to step up and do its job. The defense cannot solely depend upon the defensive line to make every stop on every play. What was truly missing from the game in Philadelphia against Temple and what is absolutely necessary against Buffalo is communication.
If the game against Temple is any indication of Penn State’s season, it is going to be a long and rough couple of months for Nittany Lion fans. Those in Happy Valley are hoping for the team to regroup and restore the “happy” that makes up Happy Valley.
