Penn State Football: 3 reasons Nittany Lions beat Indiana

2. Nittany Lion defense will win the battle

Penn State’s defense has been on top of its game in the first four games. It should have another stellar performance against the Hoosiers.

Looking at the total yards the Nittany Lions have yielded, they fall just inside the top 50 in the country. Nothing spectacular but they have bent and not broken. They are only giving up 15 points per game. If not for two touchdowns Villanova scored against the Lion’s second and third team players with the game well in hand, the number would be only 11.5 points per game.

The Nittany Lions are also getting it done in the turnover department. They have taken the ball away from opponents seven times and own a +5 turnover margin. Another stat that could be even higher as Penn State defenders dropped sure pick sixes in back to back weeks against Auburn and Villanova.

The defense seems to have a chip on its shoulder with something to prove this season. Defensive end Arnold Ebiketie, the transfer from Temple, has been a great addition along the defensive line. Linebacker Brandon Smith is taking his game to another level. The secondary has played outstanding so far, lead by cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields and safety Jaquan Brisker.

Every player on this defense is contributing and has yielded good results so far. Penn State’s keys on defense against Indiana will be to contain quarterback Michael Penix and force turnovers. The Nittany Lion defense is far out performing the Hoosier defense and will have the sure edge on Saturday night.