Penn State Football: 3 hot takes from Nittany Lions win over Wisconsin

Sep 4, 2021; Madison, WI, USA; Penn State defensive back Marquis Wilson (8) and offensive lineman Landon Tengwall (58) celebrate after defeating Wisconsin Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Penn State beat Wisconsin 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

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Syndication: The Reporter /

Penn State’s defense is championship level

James Franklin and the offense always seem to get going for Penn State football, but if you add in an elite defense, that’s when you get a team capable of possibly beating Ohio State.

And Penn State fans have to be very encouraged by what they saw Saturday. It’s true that Wisconsin was on the field for 97 plays, but part of that has to do with the offense and having so many three-and-outs.

Still, despite running the ball 58 times (sacks included), Wisconsin, one of the best running teams in the Big Ten finished with just 174 yards.

That’s just over three yards per attempt. Penn State also sacked Graham Mertz four times and forced three turnovers, all in the red zone, including a game-clinching interception.

The Badgers might be known for their ground game and didn’t have Jalen Berger, but Mertz can throw the ball too, and with most of his top targets back, Penn State proved its defense can play at a championship level.

It will need to maintain that against teams like Auburn, Ohio State, Michigan, and others, but it has the potential.

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