Penn State Nittany Lions
Big Ten Conference
The Nittany Lions season has been engrossed in the swirling winds of an epic scandal. Joe Paterno has lost his job, and Penn State ended the year by losing two of three games, including an embarrassing beat down at the hands of the powerful Badgers by a score of 45-7. The Nittany Lions are looking to flip a page in their history and bringing home a bowl victory would be a great start to putting this scandal behind them.
2011 Record: 9-3, 6-2
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Outback Bowl VS Florida (L 24-37)
Big Wins: 10/29 Illinois (10-7), 11/19 at Ohio State (20-14)
Bad Losses: 11/12 Nebraska (14-17), 11/26 at Wisconsin (7-45)
Coach: Tom Bradley 1-2 Overall, 1-2 at Penn State
Bowl Record: 0-0 at Penn State, 0-0 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Galen Hall
Defensive Coordinator: Larry Johnson and Ron Vanderlinden
Strengths:
The Nittany Lions rode their daunting defense to nine victories this year, so when Joe Paterno was forced to retire amidst a disgusting scandal, it is no surprise Penn State hired their defense coordinator as the interim head coach. This defense was so good that, despite their offense scoring just 19.75 points per game, they still won nine games! This outstanding defense, although strong all around, greatest strength is defending the pass. Opponents only average 162.17 yards per game through the air, fifth best in the nation and third in the Big Ten. Their pass efficiency defense also ranks fifth in the nation and first in the Big Ten. Their most impressive stat is that opponents are only able to muster up 15.67 points per game against them. This unit is also very disruptive, ranking third in both tackles for a loss and sacks per game. Overall this defense does not give you anything, yards or points. Although Penn State’s offense has struggled this year, they did give up the least amount of sacks in the Big Ten. When you play Penn State you know you are going to be in for a war and a defensive battle. You will have to earn everything you get. This defense gives no gifts.
Weaknesses:
Although their defense is fantastic, their offense leaves much to be desired. The Nittany Lions have struggled in every facet of offense as they are unable to run or throw the ball. Penn State ranked 10th in the Big Ten in total offense, averaging just 345.45 yards per game. More worrisome is the lack of points they are able to put on the board. The Nittany Lions score just 19.75 points per game, which is 110th in the nation and 11th in the Big Ten. The rushing attack is the “strength” of this offense, averaging 165.08 yards per game, which when stacked up against the rest of the Big Ten ranks just eighth. The passing offense is even worse, averaging a measly 180.3 yards per game, which his ninth in the Big Ten and 95th in the nation. The Penn State defense is the best in the Big Ten in pass efficiency, their offense is the worst. Penn State does not have a true quarterback and that has hurt them mightily throughout the year. To make matters worse for their offense, their special teams units struggle in the return game. Their punt return team ranks ninth in the Big Ten and their kickoff return unit ranks sixth. This forces this struggling offense to have to drive the length of the field often, something that they clearly are unable to do very often. Teams know that it is not easy to score against this team, but they also know that their offense lacks firepower and will turn the ball over.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Silas Redd, RB, 1,188 yards
Passing: Matt McGloin, QB, 1,571 yards
Receiving: Derek Moye, WR, 654 yards
Tackles: Gerald Hodges, LB, 97
Sacks: Jack Crawford, DE, 6.5
Interceptions: Nick Sukay, S, 3
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 165.08 (54th in the nation, 8th in conference)
Passing Offense: 180.33 (95, 9)
Total Offense: 345.42 (94, 10)
Scoring Offense: 19.75 (110, 11)
Rushing Defense: 138.75 (50, 5)
Pass Defense: 162.17 (5, 3)
Total Defense: 300.92 (11, 4)
Scoring Defense: 15.67 (8, 3)
Turnover Margin: .33 (32, 4)
Sacks: 2.42 (26, 3)
Sacks Allowed: 1.00 (15, 1)
