By: Pasquale Tartaro, GoPSUSports.com
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa - As No. 4 Penn State prepares for Saturday's matchup against Big Ten foe Indiana, players and coaches met with the media to express their thoughts heading into week five.
Though the Nittany Lions are currently enjoying a eight-game winning streak dating back to last season, they opened their 2020 campaign with an emotional overtime loss at Indiana.
Penn State players have put all of their energy towards preparing for this week's challenge, rather than dwelling on the past.
"We don't believe in revenge games," senior defensive tackle PJ Mustipher said. "We're focused on this week. We can't focus on last year because last year already happened. We can't do anything about that. We can't go back and change it. We're focused on getting ready for this 2021 Indiana team."
Head coach James Franklin spoke about the importance of his offense continuing to improve its rushing attack: "I think we've got to get better in the run game on offense. Not that we will necessarily call the game any different, but when we do decide to run or need to run, that we feel like we can be efficient doing so….I would like to see us play with a little bit more of an edge."
Through the air, the Nittany Lions have had one of the most prolific offenses in the country thus far.
Completing 71.7 percent of his passes, quarterback Sean Clifford has thrown for 1,158 yards, 8 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions this season. Jahan Dotson and Parker Washington each have eclipsed 300 yards receiving yards and KeAndre Lambert-Smith also has racked up 199 yards of his own.
Offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich's group is averaging 307.8 passing yards per contest, as opposed to 113.5 rushing yards per game.
Indiana is fourth in the Big Ten in terms of rush yards allowed per game, allowing just 108.5 yards on the ground per contest.
Another dimension of Penn State's offense that has served Penn State well thus far, moreover, has been the emergence of redshirt freshman Tyler Warren. Through four weeks, Warren has been utilized in a variety of ways, from taking a role as a situational wildcat quarterback to blocking in the run game and catching passes as a receiving tight end.
Warren spoke about the success that he and his teammates have had when he's behind center: "The thing I like about it is it's just another chance to help out my team…It's a fancy looking thing but at the end of the day, I got my job, and the 10 guys that are on the field with me got their job."
Against Auburn and Villanova, Warren took two direct snaps at the goal line and plunged into the end zone for respective scores. As a result, Indiana's defense will have to be wary of the dynamic playmaking ability that Warren has showcased thus far this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, the depth of defensive backs on the Penn State roster has given Franklin and defensive coordinator Brent Pry the luxury to be flexible with its secondary.
Junior safety Keaton Ellis discussed how he has embraced his transition from cornerback to safety: "That's all it is, is patience, and finally to be able to get out there, it was just great for me to be out there on the field and playing. I was just really excited for the opportunity last week, and hopefully I can continue to grow."
