Coach ,

Penn State comes into the week ranked #1 Total Defense allowing just 210.6 yards per game.

They are #6 in both the AFCA Coaches Poll and US LBM Poll. The Lions are playing well in every phase of the game and travel to Columbus later this month to take on #3 Ohio State.

The Nitanny Lions rank high in several categories:

#1 Passing Yards Allowed - 136.4 yards per game

#4 Fumbles Recovered - 6

#4 Scoring Defense - 8.75 ppg

#7 Rushing Defense - 74.2 ypg

#16 7.4 tackles for loss per game 

Today we take a look at the fundamentals behind the nation’s stingiest defense.

Stay Low

It’s probably the most used phrase at practice across all levels.  It is fundamental to playing great technique in all areas of the game.

Penn State Defensive Backs Coach Terry Smith shows a circuit that the Lions use to teach this simple but critical fundamental.

In this video he explains and analyzes their Pad Level Chute drill with all positions, pointing out the details of proper technique and showing what can be done better.

Video: Pad Level Chutes

TFL technique - The “Lion” Roll Tackle

Almost every tackle for loss is a roll tackle.  The running back almost always stops his feet when he sees a defensive lineman in the backfied.  The DL who tackles high will usually bounce off and the running back drives ahead to get yards.

TFL’s put the offense behind the sticks which is critical in helping the defense to get off the field.  Manny Diaz implemented this system in 2014.

He illustrates TFL created by the “Lion” Roll Tackle on game film. (click on image for video):

Video: Almost All TFL are Lion Rolls

As Coach Smith said multiple times, proper technique is all about coaching and performing the details.  It is never too late in the season to get better at that.

Good luck as you get ready for another weekend of football!

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski