After a disappointing defeat against UCLA, the Penn State Nittany Lions are determined to bounce back as they prepare to face Northwestern on October 7, 2023. The Lions, currently unranked with a record of 0-2 in the Big Ten and 3-2 overall, are keen to improve following their 42-37 loss at the Rose Bowl.
Offensive tackle Drew Shelton and safety Zakee Wheatley expressed their commitment to the team’s recovery this week. When asked to describe the team’s mood, Shelton stated, “We’re hungry. We know what we have to do. We have to find a way to get better no matter what, try to put it behind us and keep pushing.”
The Nittany Lions are facing challenges on both sides of the ball. In their recent game, they allowed a staggering 269 rushing yards—marking the highest total given up in three years. They also conceded 42 points, the most by an opponent in a regular season match during that time. Reviewing game film with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was a painful yet necessary process. Wheatley noted, “He took a lot of accountability as the coordinator, as well as the players did. We came in on Sunday knowing we have to be better.”
In the loss to UCLA, the Nittany Lions faced an uphill battle, allowing the Bruins to accumulate 285 yards and establish a 20-point lead in the first half. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava was instrumental for UCLA, amassing 294 yards in passing and rushing along with five touchdowns. Penn State’s defense managed to halt UCLA only four times during the game, including a missed 56-yard field goal and a safety.
Coach James Franklin observed that the defense is not playing with the same speed and aggression as in previous seasons. Wheatley responded to this observation, saying, “Everyone gave it their all and played hard. We just have to be better overall.”
Despite the defensive struggles, Penn State’s offense showed signs of improvement compared to their previous game—an overtime loss to Oregon where they generated minimal yardage in the first three quarters. Against UCLA, the Lions averaged more yards per play but were ultimately outperformed due to UCLA running 20 more plays and controlling the ball nearly twice as long.
Shelton highlighted the offensive line’s responsibility for the team’s performance, stating, “Obviously, there’s always more that we can do. We knew what the expectation was that we put on ourselves coming into this year. I think a lot of it so far has just been some combination of four guys doing something right and one guy not holding up their end of the bargain.”
As the team grapples with back-to-back losses, they are aware of the criticism from fans, especially after starting the season ranked second. Wheatley shared his approach to outside opinions, saying, “I stay off Twitter during the season. Whether it’s positive or negative, it doesn’t really change my goal and what I need to do.”
Franklin’s message to his players has been one of unity. Wheatley emphasized the importance of teamwork, describing the team’s attitude as one of “family.” Shelton echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re not going to get anything done by pointing fingers and separating from each other. Just stay together. This is one team. We have to have each other’s back and keep moving forward.”
Wheatley also noted a heightened sense of urgency during practice. “I wouldn’t use the term ‘desperation,’” he said. “We came in here Sunday and watched the film, knowing we have to attack and get better ASAP. Knowing that and going to practice with the right head on our shoulder, I think everyone’s ready to get better and grow.”
As the Lions prepare for their matchup against Northwestern, they aim to channel their frustration and lessons learned from the UCLA defeat into a stronger performance. The game is set to kick off at 15:30 at Beaver Stadium, and both players and coaches are eager to demonstrate the growth and resilience they have cultivated during this challenging week.
