What We Learned About Penn State During the Bye Week
Penn State returned from the football bye week to begin preparing for a... non-conference game? Massachusetts visits Beaver Stadium on Saturday for what should be a preseason game in October. That's an interesting spot for the unbeaten Lions, who no doubt are peeking around the corner to Ohio State.
So what did we learn about the Nittany Lions during the bye week? Let's check in with coordinators Mike Yurcich, Manny Diaz and strength coach Chuck Losey for a progress report.
Should Penn State's Offense Be Flashier?
We've covered Penn State swimming in the shallow end of the explosive-play pool so far this season. The Lions began Saturday ranked first nationally in time of possession and tied for 130th (or last) in plays of 20+ yards. So during the bye week, offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich fielded an interesting question regarding the need for offensive "sexiness." His interesting answer:
"I think our offense has to understand that we're doing a lot of difficult things well, to where we're putting long drives together, we're keeping the defense off the field, which helps them play better. So we're playing team offense," Yurcich said. "But we do need to improve in certain areas. And, you know, the sexiness or however you may term that, we do understand there is an area for that. However, we have to keep very important things important. That's not to say that our area where we're short in is not important. It is, and we're going to address those those things. But we're playing winning football right now."
Maintaining the Nation's Top Pass Defense
Though every team on its schedule has thrown to play catch-up, Penn State's pass defense hasn't given up much. The Lions lead the nation not only in passing yards allowed (136.4) but also in QB rating allowed (86.48). The Lions entered Saturday tied with Michigan for fewest touchdown passes allowed (one).
That's a function of pass rush and man coverage combining to put quarterbacks under duress, and it has worked spectacularly. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz also pointed to one player as an unsung hero of Penn State's pass defense.
"You know at some point we've got to talk about [cornerback] Johnny Dixon and how he's playing opposite Kalen [King]," Diaz said.
Working on Drew Allar's Speed
A 6-5 quarterback playing at 235 pounds won't outrun safeties, and strength coach Chuck Losey isn't asking for that. But Losey said that one of Allar's training points has been improving his speed, particularly for those months in which Allar has some running room.
"He's pretty much exploded in all areas [of training]," Losey said. "He's done an outstanding job getting his body body weight up. He's playing at 235 pounds right now, which increases his durability for us throughout the season. His power numbers, all the metrics in the weight room, are exponentially up from what they originally were. Speed is another area that was a work in progress. That's an area we're going to really dial in continue to dial in on for him. And he knows that. We talk about that all the time."
James Franklin, QB Sneak Fan
Franklin said that he has been "super impressed" with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and often sends his quarterbacks clips of Hurts. That includes footage of Hurts and the Eagles running their version of the "tush push," which Allar loves running as well. Losey called the play an asset for Penn State.
"We would be lying if we said we didn't take a little extra pride in those reps," Losey said.
A Defensive 'Surprise'
Penn State is stacked at defensive end with Chop Robinson, Adisa Isaac and Dani Dennis-Sutton. The Lions will lose Robinson and Isaac after this season, but Losey pointed to a young end making a quick impact. Jameial Lyons has played in two games and likely will redshirt but has made himself a contender to play more on a need basis.
"I'll start by saying Jameial has been a great surprise," Losey said. "I always knew Jameial was talented coming out of high school, obviously, that's why he's here. But his strength, his overall strength, his total body strength is surprisingly very, very good for his build, because he does have a long, lankier build at this point. He's got a ton of room for mass. He weighs 251 pounds which, if you look at him, he looks like a 240-pound defensive and he's going to be able to carry as much as 265, 270 pounds if we want him to. ... I'm excited to have an offseason with him after the year, because I think he's going to absolutely explode. He's going to be in the mix next year."
Of Course Penn State Is Looking Ahead
Franklin and his staff spent a few days late in the week recruiting, and players and players had some time off during the bye week. But analysts were scouting future opponents, including Ohio State. Diaz, evidently, has been watching some Buckeyes film as well.
"We always work ahead," Diaz said before later dropping this juicy quote, "My opinions [of Ohio State] are absolutely very strong and they're absolutely going to stay to myself."
More on Penn State
Penn State addresses 'big concern' on offense during bye week
What has changed with Penn State's offense this season?
Penn State is 'starting to feel the soul of our defense'
Quarterback Drew Allar is moving in the right direction
Penn State unveils future Big Ten football opponents
Where is Penn State headed after its 5-0 start?
Penn State's James Franklin ranks 11th nationally on the coaching-salaries list
Why the Lions' defense feels 'unstoppable'
AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.
