Penn State defense was cut up like a Thanksgiving turkey by Illinois’ running attack in a 20-18 nine-overtime loss on Saturday despite the absence of defensive tackle PJ Mustipher and multiple injuries to the rest of the line.
Against the Nittany Lions’ defense, Illinois running back Chase Brown rushed for 223 yards on 33 carries (6.8 yards per carry) and scored one touchdown. A total of 142 yards rushing came from Josh McCray, who served as the starter’s backup (5.9 yards per carry). 67 carries for 357 yards and a touchdown were the totals for the Fighting Illini, who averaged 5.3 yards per rush.
Penn State’s inability to make tackles was a major factor. It was uncharacteristic of the Penn State rush defense that both running backs consistently broke tackles from linebackers and defensive backs as soon as they broke through the defensive line.
“I guess [it’s] just us not wrapping up as a defense and not playing how we usually play,” senior safety Jaquan Brisker said.
To help with the run game, the Illini have added a third offensive tackle to the lineup this season.
In this game, the Illini not only did that, but they also added two extra tackles to overcome a Penn State defense that was already vulnerable. The package was frequently utilized by Illinois to hide where it was running the ball and to exploit Penn State’s defensive front with misdirection runs.
End of the defense The fact that Nick Tarburton foresaw the game plan didn’t ease his initial resistance, he said. After making two tackles (one of them solo), the redshirt junior was done for the game.
A tackle-over deal was something Tarburton thought they’d have in their set, but they ended up having an entirely other one instead. “As a result, we had to rethink our strategy at the break and make some alterations. They deserved praise for their strategy.
Illinois’ game plan and running backs are impressive, especially the latter. We couldn’t finish our plays when it mattered most because they were physical up front and we didn’t.” When the situation demanded, Illinois not only brought in more tackles, but also brought in extra guards or tight ends.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema’s offensive packages in Wisconsin and Arkansas were distinctive because of it. It was the Fighting Illini’s power running style that was the difference as they ran for 165 yards in the first half and 192 in the second half. Things evolved with time.
In all nine overtimes, the Nittany Lions held Illinois to just six carries for 19 yards. When it came to third down conversions, the Illini were 0 for 3. In Derrick Tangelo’s opinion, the team performed an excellent job of hiding where they intended to run the ball. When they did that package, they put on a good show, but you never know where the ball is going to end up.
However, I believe that as the game progressed and we became more settled, we were able to determine where they intended to run the ball..
The loss of Mustipher to a season-ending injury two weeks ago was devastating for the defense.
Additionally, the Nittany Lions were without Dvon Ellies and Coziah Izzard due to injuries during the Illinois game. The defensive front of the Nittany Lions had to dig deep into their depth chart to fight through the pain, since the team was already banged up.
As a result, Tangelo has had to step up and fill in for his senior classmate. Three tackles were recorded by the senior (two solo). The Izzards had five tackles (two of which were solo), and while they were without Mustipher’s effort and strength, Tangelo thought they put forth a good effort. Tangelo praised the players who filled in for Ellies, Izzard, and Vanover, saying, “I’m happy of all of the guys who stepped up in PJ’s role tonight.”
“Those players have been working hard all week in practice. So, while we’ll miss PJ, I think they did an admirable job. Penn State (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) will have one more week to work on its weaknesses before taking on No. 5 Ohio State (5-1, 3-0 Big Ten) on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC in Columbus.