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Expectation: Adding Jim Knowles, the coordinator of the nation’s best defense a year ago, to a Penn State defense that was already among the nation’s top 10 would allow the Nittany Lions to be a true lockdown unit.
Reality: Penn State is a middle-of-the-pack defense in the Big Ten that hasn’t really stopped the run at all since conference play began.
Expectation: Five-star running back Nick Singleton, who ran for 2,912 yards in his first three seasons, would have another banner year behind a veteran offensive line despite continuing to split carries and reps with roommate Kaytron Allen.
Reality: Singleton is averaging 3.6 yards per carry, doesn’t yet have 100 yards total in four Big Ten games, and can’t seem to stop running directly into defenders.
