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Jonathan Sutherland talks ‘mature approach’ of Penn State’s defense in 2022
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Jonathan Sutherland isn’t allowing Penn State to wilt after a loss. That can’t be the case for a mature unit that’s been here before.
Sutherland told reporters Wednesday that in years past, losses such as ones to Michigan and Ohio State would linger well past the final whistle. That would lead to careless errors in games and more losing streaks on the horizon.
That hasn’t been the case in 2022. Following the team’s 41-17 loss to Michigan, Penn State rebounded with a 45-17 win over Minnesota. A week after falling flat in the 4th quarter in a 41-31 loss to Ohio State, the Nittany Lions pounced at the chance for redemption with a 45-14 win over Indiana.
Sutherland on this year vs. last year: “In the last two years after a loss, we’ve let that linger…This year, I think we’ve taken a more mature approach.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) November 16, 2022
Penn State’s defensive numbers are somewhat parallel to last season. In 2021, the Nittany Lions allowed opponents to total 17.3 points per game. This season, they’re allowing just 19.
In terms of run defense, Penn State ranked 45th nationally, allowing teams to average 153.8 yards per game. This season, the Nittany Lions are 25th nationally in defending the run, holding opponents to 120.5 yards per outing.
The Nittany Lions will look to close out the season on a 4-game winning streak starting Saturday against Rutgers. Penn State will return to State College to face Michigan State in the regular-season finale.
Cole Thompson is a freelance writer for Saturday Tradition who has covered college football and the NFL for multiple websites. Thompson is currently based in Houston, Texas, and also can be heard daily on SportsMap National Radio's 'Just Sayin It' from 3am-6am.