Penn State Football: 5 bold predictions for September 2018

3. Defense stands tall

The Nittany Lions’ defense lost a lot of talent on that side of the ball. But their defense may not take a step back like many think. Cornerback John Reid returns from missing all of 2017 with an ACL injury and linebacker Micah Parsons steps on campus as the next great at Linebacker U.

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Those are just two names that stick out for a talented defense. Great recruiting, player development and a next-man-up mentality, have the Nittany Lions set on defense.

The Penn State Defense will allow only 10 points per game in their first four games. It’s a tough measure but the only team that could have a chance of scoring in a moderate amount are the Pitt Panthers.

Yes, regardless of how good their defense is, Appalachian State, Kent State and Illinois should be handled easily. And the Nittany Lions will do what’s expected and more. And one of their biggest contributors to this domination will be their secondary.

In addition to John Reid, Tariq Castro-Fields, Nick Scott, Lamont Wade and Amani Oruwariye headline their talented secondary. Interceptions will come, but their ability to to make open field and downhill tackles will lead the Penn State defense to victory. Good luck scoring on the Nittany Lions in 2018.