Nov. 17, 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Through 10 games in 2014, the Nittany Lion defense has played with tremendous consistency and has established itself as one of the top units in the nation.
Statistically speaking, Penn State is ranked in the top five in three of the four major defensive categories. The Nittany Lions are No. 1 in the nation against the run (83.1 ypg.), No. 3 in the nation in total defense (265.6 ypg) and No. 4 in the nation in scoring defense (16.2 ppg).
Additionally, Penn State leads the nation in team pass efficiency defense (96.89), is sixth in third down conversion percentage defense (29.2 percent), is second in the nation in first downs defense (140 total), is 10th in passes intercepted (15) and is No. 16 in passing yards allowed (182.5 ypg).
Penn State is also one of just three teams in the nation to have not allowed a rushing play of 30 or more yards (Duke & Syracuse). The Lions also lead the nation with fewest plays of 30 or more yards allowed this season (7).
"You just never know who is going to make the big play with this group," senior Mike Hull said. "Coach Shoop puts us in great positions to make big plays all the time and we are just swarming to the ball every single play."
Visually, the Nittany Lions have been even more impressive. Playing with relentless pursuit and never-ending pressure, the Lions have forced their opponents to become one-dimensional on a weekly basis. The Nittany Lions have held their opponents to an average of 15.4 points and 139.9 yards below their season average coming into the games. In the last three games, Penn State foes are 7-of-47 on third down (14.9 percent).
"We bring the intensity every single time we step onto the field," junior defensive tackle Anthony Zettel said. "We love playing with that intensity and that has been a big key to our success."
Granted, there are still two regular season games to play, but the 2014 defense finds itself in elite company when it comes to some of Penn State's all-time best defensive units. The highlights include:
Rushing defense - 83.1 ypg in 2014 is the lowest since the 1986 national title team's 69.4 ypg average.
Total defense - 265.6 ypg in 2014 is the best since the 1978 team's 203.9 ypg average.
Scoring defense - 16.2 ppg in 2014 is the lowest mark since the 2009 team's 12.2 ppg average.
Yards per play allowed - 4.1 ypp in 2014 is the best since 1990 when the Lions allowed 4.0 ypp.
Just four times in Penn State history since 1966 have the Nittany Lions held their opponents to fewer than 85.0 rushing yards per game in a season. Only eight Penn State defenses have limited opponents to fewer than 270 offensive yards per game in a season.
Individually, Mike Hull is ranked No. 9 in the nation in total tackles (111). Hull is averaging 11.1 tackles per game. Only four players in Penn State history (Since 1970) have averaged 11.0 or more tackles per game during a season. Dan Connor is the most recent Nittany Lion to do so (11.1 tpg in 2007).
Penn State travels to Illinois in the final road game of the 2014 regular season on Saturday at noon (ESPN2).
"We are just playing as a complete defense right now," sophomore Austin Johnson said. "We feel good about the way we are playing, but we can't wait for the next game."
Lions in the Stat Rankings
Several Nittany Lions remain among the leaders in national and conference statistical categories. Here is a weekly breakdown of Penn State players in the stat rankings:
QB Christian Hackenberg - Hackenberg is third in the Big Ten in passing yards (2,318) and passing yards per game (231.8 ypg). The sophomore is second in the conference in completions per game (20.70).
WR DaeSean Hamilton - Hamilton is 15th nationally (first in the Big Ten) in receptions per game (6.8). He ranks third in the Big Ten in receiving yards per game at 78.7.
LB Mike Hull - Hull leads the Big Ten and is eighth in the nation in tackles (11.1 per game). He is second in the Big Ten and 20th nationally in solo tackles per game at 5.9.
K Sam Ficken - Ficken is leading in the nation and first in the Big Ten in field goals made per game at 2.20.
Early Look at the Illini
The Fighting Illini will look to snap a two-game losing streak on Saturday after back-to-back losses to No. 16 Ohio State (55-14) and Iowa (30-14). Illinois enters the week 11 matchup with a 4-6 overall record and a 1-5 mark in the Big Ten. The Illini defeated Minnesota on Oct. 25 (28-24) for their first Big Ten victory of the season.
Quarterback Wes Lunt missed three games due to injury, but was among the Big Ten's leaders in several statistical categories before getting hurt. Lunt returned to the starting lineup against Iowa last week. He has completed 65 percent of his passes in 2014 and thrown for 1,671 yards with 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions.
Defensively, linebacker Mason Menheim has been productive throughout the 2014 season. Averaging 9.8 tackles per game, Monheim ranks second in the Big Ten in tackling.
Penn State and Illinois will meet for 22nd time on Saturday. The Nittany Lions are 17-4 all-time against the Illini.