Penn State Football: 3 takeaways from Nittany Lions' scare vs. App State

Penn State Football: 3 takeaways from Nittany Lions’ scare vs. App State

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 01: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after rushing for a 12 yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Appalachian State Mountaineers on September 1, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 01: Cam Brown #6 of the Penn State Nittany Lions sacks Zac Thomas #12 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers on September 1, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

1. The Nittany Lion defense is concerning

No, Miles Sanders nor Trace McSorley should worry the Nittany Lions, but rather the defense should be the main cause for concern after the overtime victory over Appalachian State.

The Nittany Lions were decent on third downs, holding Appalachian State to just six conversions on 16 tries. It was the passing defense that really struggled against Appalachian State. In fact, the secondary allowed 292 yards and two touchdowns through the air while Zac Thomas completed 25-of-38 passes.

The Mountaineers’ first-year starting quarterback was able to do essentially whatever he wanted through the air against Penn State.

McSorley was able to answer on a couple of occasions, but the defense looked shaky, at best, against Appalachian State.

Next. Penn State: 5 bold predictions for 2018. dark

Penn State allowed 451 total yards to the Mountaineers. That’s not going to cut it once the Nittany Lions reach Big Ten play.

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