STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) – Linebacker U. didn’t live up to its lofty standards this season.
Penn State allowed an uncharacteristically high 164 rushing yards per game and lacked a pass rush. They were porous in the red zone, allowing foes to score a Big Ten-worst 30 of 32 times inside the 20.
So a defense ravaged by injuries and hampered by poor tackling sees the Jan. 1 Outback Bowl vs. Florida (7-5) as a chance to take the first step toward shoring up the holes in 2011.
The injuries forced inexperienced players to step into more prominent roles. But coach Joe Paterno hopes those Nittany Lions (7-5) will benefit from the extra practice time in trying to stop the speedy Gators.
Penn State should have linebacker Michael Mauti back from injury.
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