UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State's ability to stop the speed sweeps improved as last season progressed and making sure the Lions don't get swept up like they did last year against the Panthers continues to be part of this week's preparations.
"It's a lot of smoke and mirrors," middle linebacker Jason Cabinda said on Wednesday. "They'll trade and shift to make you move guys out of position and make guys' eyes be in a place they shouldn't be. In order to have success, we're going to have to read our keys, trust our keys and make sure guys are doing their job. If you're playing the inside zone, play the inside zone. Be sure guys aren't trying to do too much outside the framework of the defense."
During the end of Wednesday night's practice that was open to the media it was the Lions' defense both the first and the second team, that thrived, getting the edge on quarterback Trace McSorley and then his backup, Tommy Stevens. McSorley slammed the ball into the ground after he tried to elude the rush but ended up with defenders in his face. Stevens yelled as Cabinda and defensive end Shaka Toney celebrated after a successful pressure.
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