Through two weeks of the 2023 season, Penn State football has looked like one of the best teams in the nation. The Nittany Lions have shown very few flaws en route to a pair of dominant victories. 

 

However, one of the potential weaknesses identified during the offseason has shown signs of being an Achilles’ heel once again. This week, the Penn State run defense - the “backbone” of this Nittany Lion team - will face its first major test on the road. 

 

Dvon Ellies: Defensive line is the “backbone” of the team

 

For years, Penn State has prided itself on being stout along the defensive front. But that pride took a hit last season, when the Nittany Lion defense was gashed for 418 yards on the ground against Michigan.

 

Coming into this year, Penn State’s ability to hold firm along the defensive line was one of the biggest question marks around this roster. But according to redshirt senior defensive tackle Dvon Ellies, the front four is the core of this Nittany Lion football team.

 

“Continue to be the backbone of the defense,” Ellies told us when asked of his personal goals for this season during our exclusive sit-down interview. “I feel like the team relies on the defensive line to be that backbone. I may be a little bit biased, but that’s how I feel.”

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First major test of 2023 awaits

 

Coming out of Week 2, the Penn State run defense is still one the few concerns that have emerged with what has otherwise been a dominant Nittany Lions football team.

 

While the run defense has looked promising at times, there have been moments it the first two games where it has been the weak link. Penn State gave up almost 60 yards on the ground in the first quarter of the season opener versus West Virginia. Against an outmatched FCS opponent in Delaware, the Nittany Lions held firm, minus a gashing 66 yard run to the end zone.

 

Coming into Week 3, Penn State ranks 66^th in the nation in rushing defense, allowing 114 yards per game. The Nittany Lions head to Champaign to take on an Illinois team that is averaging 154 yards on the ground this season.

 

While the Illini haven’t not looked very impressive through two games, the Nittany Lions can’t underestimate the physicality of a Bret Bielema coached squad. Of course, Penn State fans will never forget when Illinois dominated the Nittany Lion defensive front to the tune of 357 rushing yards as part of a 9-overtime defeat in 2021.

 

This week will be a good measuring rod for Penn State in 2023. Come the middle of the afternoon on Saturday, we will either feel bolstered by the Nittany Lions’ odds of making a run at a Big Ten title, or we will see the flaws that must be corrected as contests with Ohio State and Michigan loom on the schedule.

 

Upcoming Happy Valley United exclusive events

 

Happy Valley United will be providing exclusive access and events throughout the 2023-24 athletic year, including:

 

• American Cancer Society Coaches vs Cancer Reverse Car Drawing, Medlar Field, September 14
• Select members of the Penn State men’s basketball team will be attending the Coaches vs Cancer Reverse Car Drawing on September 14, at Medlar Field.
• The event is hosted by the American Cancer Society and will run from 6-8 p.m.

Penn State men’s basketball student-athletes attending the event are Ace Baldwin Jr., Rayquawndis Mitchell, Puff Johnson, D’Marco Dunn and Zach Hicks.

 

Be sure to check out this and all the exclusive experiences presented by Happy Valley United for the 2023 season!

 

Exclusive player insights, presented by HVU On-Demand

 

If you enjoyed this exclusive content, stay tuned for more exclusive insights throughout the 2023 season. HVU On-Demand will be providing exclusive access to player interviews and other content throughout the fall as part of the brand-new partnership between Happy Valley United, Up on Game, and Basic Blues Nation.

 

This initiative aims to promote NIL opportunities for the over 800 Penn State student-athletes represented by Happy Valley United and provide you with exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from your favorite Nittany Lions.

 

To donate, please visit Happy Valley United’s website. We Are!