Penn State's dominant defensive effort in Rose Bowl win drawing buzz on social media
No. 11 Penn State needed their defense to take over one last time this season in the 2023 Rose Bowl against No. 8 Utah. They did that and more as the Nittany Lions’ defense dominated the talented offense of the Utes, winning the Rose Bowl 35-21.
The Nittany Lions held the Utes to 391 total yards accounted for with 184 of them coming from the ground.
Penn State had a strong start defensively by holding Utah to only 47 yards in the first quarter. Utah was able to compose two scoring drives in the second quarter, but the offense was limited significantly after the injury to quarterback Cameron Rising.
Among the best defensive playmakers of the game was senior safety Ji’Ayir Brown, who led the team in total tackles (8), solo tackles (6), sacks (1.5), tackles for loss (1.5), and interceptions (1). Sophomore defensive end Demeioun Robinson also accounted for 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Penn State earned its first win in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1995 when they defeated Oregon 38-20.
Penn State 2nd half defense 🤤🤤🤤
— Devin (@DevinD33) January 3, 2023
Manny Diaz was such a home run hire for Penn State. He’s had that defense balling all season long.
— Steelers Network (@SteelersNetwork) January 3, 2023
What a great game by the Penn State offense and defense. Rose Bowl Champions!
— JEFF WARREN (@Jeffrey_Warren) January 3, 2023
This Penn State defense tackles better than a lot of pro defenses do #RoseBowl
— Ryan Dunkelberger (@dunkcity5994) January 3, 2023
The Penn State defense saved their best performance for last.
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) January 3, 2023
PENN STATE DEFENSE TODAY!!!💪🏾💪🏾
— jordan (@miaspoppa) January 3, 2023
PENN STATE DEFENSE 🔥🔥🔥
— Dave Sned (@snedsports247) January 3, 2023
Na Penn State defense going crazy
— Dex (@CleanLikDat_48) January 3, 2023
Credit to Penn State. Their defense are is full of fundamentally strong players. Great coaching on both sides of the ball really.
— A. Sarge🌹 (@Sarge_Ute) January 3, 2023
Penn State’s defense is flat out eating right now.
— Justin Nails (@justinnails) January 3, 2023
Man penn state defense going crazy!
— WE LOSING RECIPES ! (@__colinasante) January 3, 2023