UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State and Maryland will battle for the 47th time as the series between the two Big Ten East foes continues on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in College Park, Md.
The Nittany Lions have won seven of the last eight games against the Terps including a 30-0 performance at Beaver Stadium last season.
Penn State's suffocating defense will play a key role against dynamic quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa as 17 different Nittany Lions have recorded a sack this season. With the Terps on tap for Saturday, head coach James Franklin took questions from the media on Tuesday.
Special Teams a Potent Presence
Playing complementary football has been a keen focus for Franklin and the Nittany Lions this season. That mantra extends to the special teams unit that has carved out a unique and prominent role this season.
Redshirt sophomore kickoff specialist Gabriel Nwosu has prevented dynamic kick returners from making an impact with booming kicks going over the end zone for touchbacks. Senior kicker Alex Felkins has gone 10-for-13 on field goals, including a 50-yard kick against Indiana.
Penn State has not allowed a special teams touchdown in 56-straight games as players, like senior punter Riley Thompson, can change the complexity of the game. In fact, Thompson has belted seven punts for 50 or more yards this season.
"I think right now our special teams over the last couple weeks is really playing well," Franklin said. "It starts with our specialists Gabe [Nwosu], Riley [Thompson], [Tyler] Duzansky, and [Alex] Felkins, and I would throw [Daequan] Hardy in that as well. I think that group is really playing much more consistent and making plays. Hardy is a weapon for us right now."
Drew Shelton 'Steady' in his Development
Downingtown, Pa. product and sophomore offensive lineman Drew Shelton has developed invaluable experience through his first 15 games in Happy Valley. Shelton has displayed his versatility and flexibility to play multiple spots on the offensive line during that span.
The ability to shift between guard and tackle is a rarity because of the varying techniques and positions. Shelton's 6-foot-5 frame allows him to spell talented tackles Caden Wallace and Olu Fashanu while maintaining Penn State's potent offensive attack.
Shelton has yet to carve out a full-time starting role but as Franklin said, "He needs to continue to grow and get better and be more consistent in his physicality in the run game, as well as consistency in pass pro." These aspects are pivotal for any offensive lineman but Shelton's consistency will come from confidence.
"Drew [Shelton], as you guys know, started a bunch of games last year, has played a ton of football for us again this year," Franklin said. "We have a lot of confidence in him. Does he need to get better like they all do and be more consistent? Yes. There is no doubt about it. But he's been very steady and consistent since he's got here. Doesn't get too high or low. Very conscientious young man. Does a really nice job."
Battling Back Becoming The Identity
Drew Allar in the 33-24 victory over Indiana surpassed the record for most passing attempts without an interception in FBS history with 311 consecutive passes not landing in the hands of defenders.
The streak was snapped late in the fourth quarter but a late 57-yard touchdown pass to KeAndre Lambert-Smith showed the resiliency of not only the young quarterback but of the defense who held Indiana to a field goal in a critical moment.
Blending the two components together showed the resilience of Franklin's squad in a pivotal moment. It also didn't come as a surprise to the decade-long head coach who's found a level of maturity in his team in those moments.
"You think about the first turnover that Drew [Allar] has in his career and it's in the worst area of the field that you want it to be at that critical moment," Franklin said. "Our defense didn't blink. They went in there and got a critical three and out at that time and then our offense was able to respond. So I thought when it's mattered, most our guys have really stepped up. That's really been kind of throughout the season…Last week when there was some adversity and we were being challenged, our guys were resilient is how I would describe it."