In 2005 and 2006, the Penn State defense ranked among the top 15 in the country, allowing 14.4 points in 25 games.
This year, with just one
senior among its starters, the Lions have
allowed minus-3 rushing yards,
10 points and 258 total yards
in two games.
Seemingly irreplaceable players graduate - Paul Posluszny last year, Tamba Hali in 2005 - and nothing changes.
That's not dumb luck.
That's coaching.
"[Bradley] really sets the tone," linebacker Sean Lee said. "He's intense, does whatever it takes. He comes in at 3:30 in the morning to get ready for the next week. His attitude, that's us, that's how we play."
In a 31-10 win over Notre Dame on Saturday, the defense essentially pitched a shutout. Charlie Weis' offensive genius got sent into the corner with a dunce cap, generating all of
144 yards in total offense and scoring only when it was set up by either the Penn State offense or special teams.
The Irish scored its lone touchdown after Anthony Morelli all but used a laser pointer to telegraph his pass to Derrick
Williams, allowing Darrin Walls to pick it off and scamper 73 yards for the return. The Irish's other points came after the
Nittany Lions' special teams
allowed Tom Zbikowski a 47-yard return to set up first-and-goal from the 7-yard line.
Oh, and by the way, the defense held. Notre Dame couldn't move the ball 21 feet and had to settle for a field goal.
"They just kept coming, and coming and coming and getting to the ball," Bradley said. "It was a great effort, especially in the red zone."
It was also sweet revenge after Notre Dame embarrassed the
Lions last year, 41-17, scoring more points than any team since Michigan State scored 41 in the final game of 2003.
"I told them four things that are on the do not repeat list," Bradley said when asked how he inspired his defense this week.
"People don't say it, but that was the only game we got blown out and we really wanted our
revenge," Lee said.
