Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1512721
3 4 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M O ptimism ran high for Penn State's defense ahead of the 2023 sea- son. With Manny Diaz returning to the sideline for a second year and a host of key players also back, a natural evolution was presumed. Although some trepidation remained for a few key areas of vulnerability shown during the 2022 campaign, the unit held high expecta- tions for itself. For a 12-game regular season that is now in the books, it all proved warranted. Capping the year with a dominant 42-0 victory over Michigan State, the defense was nothing short of outstand- ing. Among the highlights, Penn State pitched three shutouts, two coming against Big Ten opponents. The Nit- tany Lions finished with the top overall defense in the FBS, allowing just 223.2 yards per game. They allowed the fewest first downs in college football. They had the most sacks of any team. And top-10 rankings followed for every prominent defensive statistic, including rushing yards (second), passing yards (second), turnovers gained (second), tackles for loss (second), scoring defense (third), third-down conversions (ninth) and team passing efficiency (ninth). A SHOW OF FORCE Penn State's defense has kept opponents on their heels during a dominant 2023 campaign NAT E BAU E R | N AT E . B A U E R @ O N 3 . C O M Sophomore defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton was part of a high-pressure defensive effort that produced an FBS-best 48 sacks during the regular season. PHOTO BY STEVE MANUEL