Ranking Penn State’s 2023 opponents’ pass defense
Drew Allar is expected to take over the Penn State offense this year after sitting behind Sean Clifford. The questions remain though of how will he handle talking on the larger role and whether he can live up to the hype of being a top prospect.
Allar has shown he is very much up to the task of impressing coaches during workouts this winter and early spring. Clifford’s work ethic seems to have made a lasting impact and could give Allar a jumpstart on his new career as the starter and star of the program.
It is worth taking a look though at what type of defenses he will be facing this year. Here is where each Penn State opponent in 2023 ranked in terms of passing defense in 2022.
Delaware Blue Hens
(AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Blue Hens Passing Defense Rank: 2nd (137.8 YPG)*
In a somewhat surprising ranking, the toughest passing defense the Nittany Lions are poised to face is actually its lone FCS opponent. The Delaware Blue Hens will probably create unique situations for the Nittany Lions in the first half but eventually Penn State and new passer Drew Allar should be just fine figuring things out.
* FCS rankings via NCAA.com
Iowa Hawkeyes
Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Hawkeyes Passing Defense Rank: 6th (169.5 YPG)
Kirk Farentz and his Iowa Hawkeyes always provide a unique test for the Nittany Lions whether it is under the leadership of Joe Paterno or James Franklin. Needless to say, Drew Allar will be welcomed to a very stiff task when he faces off against them and will be a measuring stick for how games against Michigan and Ohio State may go.
Illinois Fighting Illini
(AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Fighting Illini Passing Defense Rank: 8th (173.8 YPG)
Illinois had a breakout year last year but the team is losing both of its identities on offense and defense. Sydney Brown and Devon Weatherspoon led the defense and were able to provide help in both the rushing and passing areas. For Penn State in 2023, Drew Allar and his dual-threat ability should keep things open and stop them from focusing on one facet.
Massachusetts Minutemen
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Minutemen Passing Defense Rank: 9th (179.2 YPG)
Another surprise on this ranking list is Massachusetts being as high as they are. While their program is not as established they seem to be known as a well-defended group of players and can keep themselves in games that way. Penn State is set to be their toughest opponent in 2023 so they will be extra hyped for the matchup but Allar should do okay against them.
Northwestern Wildcats
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Wildcats Passing Defense Rank: 13th (183.4 YPG)
Last year’s game was headlined by heavy rain and lots of turnovers, so this year will hopefully look a lot different across the board. Ironically, the rushing attack struggled heavily against the Wildcats and the passing game was what actually earned the win. Take a moment to think about how great it will be for Allar and the Nittany Lions if they have better weather.
Michigan Wolverines
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Wolverines Passing Defense Rank: 20th (194.2 YPG)
Sean Clifford could not get anything going against Michigan this past season and this will thankfully be a home game for Allar in his first game against the Wolverines. Offensive coordinator [autotag]Mike Yurcich[/autotag] will be looking to fully utilize his diverse skillset led by some play action passing to get things going in the right direction.
Ohio State Buckeyes
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Buckeyes Passing Defense Rank: 26th (200.5 YPG)
While they don’t have elite pass defense year after year, Ohio State will always have playmakers. Penn State was able to make a couple of spot plays but all in all it was a very disappointing showing last season. This game will also be Ohio native Drew Allar’s first game in The Horseshoe which could be a dream or a nightmare if we are being honest.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
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Scarlet Knights Passing Defense Rank: 35th (206.8 YPG)
A game script that was followed up several times last year, Penn State relied on their rushing attack to set the tone against Rutgers. The passing attack never found a groove while the rushing attack couldn’t be stopped. As will be the case many times next year, Allar should make things more interesting in the passing game especially against defensively sound teams like Rutgers.
Maryland Terrapins
Syndication: York Daily Record
Terrapins Passing Defense Rank: 63rd (223.3 YPG)
Penn State blanked Maryland last year but they didn’t beat them offensively by passing. Instead, it was more of the rushing attack making the difference with the team having just 139 passing yards against them. It will be interesting to see what adjustments are made year to year and if Allar will make a difference.
Michigan State
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Spartans Passing Defense Rank: 84th (237.9 YPG)
Sean Clifford had a season-high four touchdown passes against Michigan State last year so imagine what Allar will be able to do. The Spartans have proven to be tougher opponents under Mel Tucker’s leadership but Franklin nevertheless has proven to be able to gameplan well around them.
West Virginia Mountaineers
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Mountaineer Passing Defense Rank: 111th (262.7 YPG)
Penn State hasn’t played West Virginia in a while but that shouldn’t affect how they perform against them. This should be a one-sided game, and one would imagine they want to set the tone for the whole year with a big game from Allar with this serving as the season opener.
Indiana Hoosiers
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Hoosiers Passing Defense Rank: 120th (274.2 YPG)
Penn State handled Indiana well last year and Penn State was able to move the ball well in the air but they were held under the average that the Hoosiers gave up. Allar is a bit more of a passer though and the team is poised to break out more explosive plays so this could be a fun one to watch unfold.
