https://www.freep.com/story/sports/...chigan-state-pass-rush-penn-state/1594781002/
With a trip to Penn State looming on Saturday (3:30 p.m., BTN), the defensive line will again be tasked with creating hefty pressure to disrupt quarterback Trace McSorley.
To the Spartans’ credit last year, they were able to get to McSorley consistently enough to disrupt him. He was sacked three times in the 27-24 MSU victory — two of those coming on the Nittany Lions’ final drive, where they failed to put up any points. Of McSorley’s three interceptions that day, two were the direct result of rushed throws.
"He loves to get out of the pocket,” Panasiuk said of McSorley. “It’s a big emphasis this week. We’re just going to try and contain him inside and try getting him to overall.”
The Nittany Lions are also a team that relies heavily on the run, unlike many of Michigan State's opponents thus far this season. They rank No. 12 in the nation with 261.2 yards rushing per game. Saquon Barkley is gone, but Miles Sanders has taken his spot. Between the run-pass option and threat of McSorley scrambling out of the pocket, Panasiuk said the game plan has been flexible.
“I think going into every week, we obviously question if teams are going to want to run the ball against us or if they’re going to want to pass the ball,” Panasiuk said. “I just think, keying (McSorley) as an individual is going to help us.”
In the battle for the Land Grant Trophy, Willis said limiting the big play will be crucial for a struggling Spartan defense.
“We got to play good ball,” Willis said. “There’s no secret in what we need to do defensively. We got to limit explosive plays. They have big-play receivers with a big-play quarterback, dual-threat."