Penn State Football: Can the Nittany Lions Survive Without a Pass Rush?

The Penn State Nittany Lions had several question marks facing their team entering the 2011 college football season. One of which was the pass rush.

Heading into Week 3 against the Temple Owls, the pass rush remains a problem for Tom Bradley and the Penn State defense.

Last season, the Nittany Lions managed to bring down the quarterback just 17 times. So far this season, the Nittany Lions have two sacks. Both came against the Indiana State Sycamores, an FCS opponent.

The lack of productivity up front puts more stress on the Penn State secondary. Luckily, Penn State's best defensive unit lies in the defensive backfield.

However, this does not take away from the importance of making the quarterback uncomfortable.

Every passing offense in the nation relies on rhythm and pocket presence to an extent. If quarterbacks are given all day to throw, then offenses can be deadly. On the other hand, slight pressure on the quarterback can turn the simplest pass into a complicated nightmare.

Last week, the Nittany Lions did not sack Alabama's A.J. McCarron one time. Possibly related are the zero turnovers committed by the Crimson Tide in the box score.

Sacks and turnovers tend to go hand in hand. Turnovers and wins tend to, as well.

The Nittany Lions need to be more aggressive. Dial up the blitz, make a push up front and use their stable of linebackers to their advantage.

Penn State's starting linebackers were all in double digits in tackles last week against Alabama. Gerald Hodges and Glenn Carson both set a new career high with 11 tackles. Why not send some of that heat toward the quarterback?

Outside of the linebackers, the Nittany Lions must create more pressure with their front four.

Kevion Latham and Jack Crawford must be better at shedding blockers. Shedding blockers leads to chaos on the offensive line. Defenses thrive on chaos.

In the middle, Devon Still and Jordan Hill must create more of a push. Still had a great game last week against Alabama. Now, he needs to use his strength and quickness to dirty the quarterback's uniform.

The Big Ten has several quarterbacks capable of doing damage. This damage may come in the pocket, out of the pocket or both.

Penn State's success this season could rely on how well they can contain and slow down opposing signal-callers.