Penn State's Defense Impresses in Season-Opening Win over Akron

Penn State's defense was in question after losing star defensive ends Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans to the NFL along with nearly the Lions' whole secondary. Many thought the defense would struggle and opponents would run all over them this season.

Against Akron, Penn State's defensive line penetrated right through the Zips' line in a 31-7 victory in State College. Akron did not net a single rushing yard in the entire first half, and its passing game was stopped by harsh rushes from Penn State's defensive line and linebackers. Akron also did not get a single first down in the entire first half thanks to impressive performances by defensive tackles Jared Odrick and Devon Still.

Sean Lee, making his return after his ACL tear last season, played very well against the Zips. He read a third-down screen and stopped his blitz to prevent a first down. Lee made some key tackles and plays and proved why he is an All-American. Navarro Bowman did not play due to a thigh bruise, which is not serious and he will be ready to play next week.

The secondary had a strong performance in the first half but seemed to drop out of it in the second half, when they seemed to feel the game was already won.

Penn State's defense was outstanding, but the offense was shaky.

Despite Daryll Clark's three touchdown passes and over 250 yards passing, the passing game was rather mediocre. Clark was still rusty; he underthrew passes and was intercepted once while nearly being intercepted several other times.  

The Nittany Lions seem to really miss their receivers, as many balls were dropped and they didn't have as many big plays in the passing game as they usually would with their trio of Derrick Williams, Deon Butler, and Jordan Norwood.

Penn State's running game was pathetic. The offensive line had trouble blocking. If it has trouble blocking against Akron, it's in deep trouble. Evan Royster and Stepfhon Green struggled to find holes, and Royster was held to 63 yards rushing.

Penn State put up 31 points, but, with their blocking and running struggles, the Lions will not be able to keep scoring like this against the tougher teams on their schedule.

The Lions are not nearly as good as they were last year, and they will have a lot of work to do on offense if they hope to get better. Still, hopes are high as the Big Ten is very weak, with Iowa nearly losing to Northern Iowa and Ohio State luckily sneaking past Navy. So Penn State may very well go undefeated, but if it does it will be due to strong defensive performances.