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Maybe the most pleasant surprise for Penn State in the Big Ten championship-game loss was the outstanding play of its offensive linemen.
The Nittany Lions piled up 518 total yards, including 292 on the ground, against unbeaten Oregon, which has one of the top defenses in the country.
Penn State’s blockers face another formidable defense when the Lions (11-2) meet SMU (11-2) in the first round of the College Football Playoff Saturday at noon (TV-TNT) at Beaver Stadium.
“It’ll be a challenge,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. “I thought we had a challenge against Oregon, and the guys did a great job stepping up to that. We’re going to need them to do that again on Saturday.”
The Mustangs rank fourth in the nation in rushing defense, limiting opponents to 93.4 yards per game and 2.74 per carry. They held Clemson to 64 rushing yards and no gain longer than 14 yards in a 34-31 loss in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game.
“I have a lot of respect for those guys, especially the guys on the defensive line,” center Nick Dawkins said. “They’re a good team. We’re prepared to go the distance with these guys. They’re definitely going to bring it.”
SMU features a pair of Miami transfers, end Elijah Roberts and tackle Jaret Harrison-Hunte, who have combined for 17 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. The Mustangs have 40 sacks and 95 tackles for loss in 13 games.
“Those guys from Miami up front and our entire D-line, we feel that we have one of the best units in the country,” safety Isaiah Nwokobia said. “They’ve been able to wreak havoc this entire season.”
Penn State, on the other hand, averages more than 202 rushing yards per game and 5.34 yards per game, both in the top 20 in the country. The Lions have allowed just 12 sacks in 13 games with Dawkins, guards Vega Ioane and Sal Wormley and…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-state-offensive-line-faces-044600605.html
Author : Reading Eagle, Pa.
Publish date : 2024-12-20 04:46:00
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