ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Penn State’s struggles generating a consistent pass rush have become one of the defining problems for its defense this season, and the numbers paint a troubling picture.
No Penn State defensive lineman has recorded a sack since Yvan Kemajou brought down Temple’s quarterback in Week 2.
That drought has now stretched four consecutive games against Buffalo, Wisconsin, Northwestern and USC, leaving the Nittany Lions searching for answers along their defensive front.
Through six games, Penn State has recorded just nine sacks, with only two coming from defensive linemen.
Kemajou and Caleb Bacon are the only defensive linemen to register a sack this season. Bacon recorded his against Marshall in the season opener, while Kemajou followed with his against Temple.
Since then, Penn State’s defensive line has been shut out in the sack column.
Linebacker Tony Rojas leads the team with five sacks, accounting for half of Penn State’s total production. Kooper Ebel and Alex Tatsch have contributed one apiece.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.The lack of production from the defensive front places additional pressure on Penn State’s linebackers and secondary, particularly when opposing quarterbacks have time to operate in the pocket.
Generating pressure is one thing. Finishing plays behind the line of scrimmage is another.
For Penn State, that distinction has become increasingly important as the Nittany Lions navigate their Big Ten schedule.
The defensive line doesn’t necessarily need to produce sacks on every possession, but four consecutive games without one illustrates a concerning lack of finishing ability.
Until that changes, Penn State’s pass rush will remain a significant question mark.
