How to slow down Ashton Jeanty…

[fastlax16]

Not taking anything away from Jeanty but they played a bunch of awful running defenses this year.

22	UNLV	115
35	Oregon	126.1
79	San Jose State	155.4
92	Hawaii	165.7
95	Georgia Southern	170
97	Washington State	173.7
110	Oregon State	185.8
112	Wyoming	191.7
114	Nevada	192.8
122	San Diego State	207.3
127	Utah State	214.5

 

[psu1969a]

How do stop Ashton? You use proper tackling technique.

• Look at his belly button; where it goes he goes.
• Don't try it use a cross block tackle!
• Don't lunge at him.
• Extend arms, aim at his belly button or lower; hit with your head in front of him; upon contact wrap arms and drive thru.

Help him up, give a pat on the arze; tell him next you'll try to hit him harder.

Remember: Always respect your opponent, then defeat them.

"Never fear your enemy but always respect them.” — John Basilone

“You have to respect your enemy. Never, ever underestimate them. The second you do, they’ll squash you. Be smart about them. Respect their abilities, even if they don’t respect yours.”​

— James Patterson

 

[b&w1987]

The best way to stop a good back is to win the line of scrimmage. That's the first focus. He is still going to get his, so the job is to limit him

The really best way however, is to run the ball and be balanced on our side of the ball offensively, and put points on the board that force them out of what they want to do.

Stop him in the backfield or at least slow him down. Guys like this get to the second level it’s a big problem.

 

[roswelllion]

Kotelnicki said something the other day that caught my attention. effectively he said we wear them down, the 2-3 yd in Q1 becomes 4-5 in Q2 and then 8-10 in 2nd half. That sounds great but IMO not if means we give away the first Q and half by wearing them out. As has been said we need a balanced attack and need to put points on the board. Make them impatient.
If we can lead early with passing and don't tire them out until late that is better than letting them be in the game into the 4th Q. Guys like Jaenty, the better they go the better they get. They get a feel, get confident and get better as the game goes on.

 

[bdgan]

Stop him in the backfield or at least slow him down. Guys like this get to the second level it’s a big problem.

The second level is a big problem when there's one less defender due to blitz or over pursuit.

 

[bdgan]

How do stop Ashton? You use proper tackling technique.

• Look at his belly button; where it goes he goes.
• Don't try it use a cross block tackle!
• Don't lunge at him.
• Extend arms, aim at his belly button or lower; hit with your head in front of him; upon contact wrap arms and drive thru.

Help him up, give a pat on the arze; tell him next you'll try to hit him harder.

Remember: Always respect your opponent, then defeat them.

"Never fear your enemy but always respect them.” — John Basilone

“You have to respect your enemy. Never, ever underestimate them. The second you do, they’ll squash you. Be smart about them. Respect their abilities, even if they don’t respect yours.”​

— James Patterson

Today's PSU defenders seem different than those from the past. Today's defenders seem to go straight for they target and shoot for the legs. In the past defenders broke down and form tackled.

 

[RickinDayton]

I have learned so much here, I will never have to read anything the rest of my life. 😂

Rip, you know you can count on us for insight. LOL

 

[RickinDayton]

Not taking anything away from Jeanty but they played a bunch of awful running defenses this year.

22	UNLV	115
35	Oregon	126.1
79	San Jose State	155.4
92	Hawaii	165.7
95	Georgia Southern	170
97	Washington State	173.7
110	Oregon State	185.8
112	Wyoming	191.7
114	Nevada	192.8
122	San Diego State	207.3
127	Utah State	214.5

Well then PSU "should" be able to at least limit his explosive plays.

 

[NittanyChris]

Moderate is a good expectation. He will get yards. PSU doesn't want him to have explosive plays for touchdowns.

Absolutely cannot allow him cheap yards after contact because of weak arm tackles or hitting and not wrapping up. Gang tackling is also key.

 

[Safety Blitz]

Gap integrity.
My biggest fear against very talented running backs is someone in the front seven over-pursuing and leaving a cutback lane. Those guys can hit that opening and quickly be at the second level and off to the races.
Disciplined play to set the front, then get a lot of white hats to the football.

 

[wilbury]

I have to imagine Tom Allen has been consumed with this question since he walked off the field last Saturday. And interestingly, there was a time in Penn Stare history when PSU had a reputation for holding great running backs in check (example - Herschel Walker ‘83 Sugar Bowl 28 carries 103 yds - can you think of others?). But this is 2024 and truth be told, PSU has had some issues against the run the last few years. Having just watched the Minnesota and USC replays from this season on BTN (yes, it was a rare PSU game being shown) and we did not handle the run well. Not to mention UM last year (2nd half) and OSU this year (last drive).

Given that, what must PSU do to contain Ashton Jeanty? All the pundits say PSU must stack the box but I think there are some things that come before that.

First, I sure hope they’re working on tackling form this week, specifically ‘wrapping up’ at the end of tackles. I find myself saying this (wrap, wrap, wrap) a handful of times every game now and it was an issue Saturday vs SMU. Rojas is front and center here but there are others. They have to get to the ball, come to balance, and finish the tackle (ie the fundamentals). A ball hawking Micah Parsons would be nice for this game - can Kobe King be that guy? Second, we need multiple hats on the ball every play. We’re facing a great RB and this is a must. Some good old ‘gang tackling’ will be critical. And lastly, I wonder if more zone coverage will be in play? This will give multiple layers on D to cut down big runs and allow PSU to stay balanced on the field.

This will be a great matchup and hopefully (for PSU fans) will be fun to watch.

I'm not that games played 40 years ago mean much to the team today.

He's going to get his yards. Even if he has 150-175, I'm not sure it matters. I don't think they can wear down our defensive line because their OL isn't big enough. And eventually you force them into 3rd and long and I can't see them throwing on us effectively. In the end I'd hope we just outscore them if nothing else.

 

[LMTLION]

I would spy Jeanty with Rojas and call it a day. Rojas merely has to turn Jeanty’s runs back into the teeth of the defense. Otherwise this is Boise St and we can definitely play 10 vs their 11.

 

[Obliviax]

Tengawell is coming out with a video on this today. I suspect PSU will play a lot of one-on-one coverage with 7 or 8 focused on stopping the run. PSU is going to try and stop Jeanty and make them pass. We saw this against PSU when Saquon was our RB. I recall all three of tOSU's linebackers simply going wherever Saquon went. For example, if Saquon went around the left tackle, even tOSU's left linebacker (tOSU's left, our right) sold out to get to the other side of the field to stop him. I've never seen an entire defensive backfield forget covering anyone else but Saquon.

From what I am reading, Boise's O is good because people are so focused on Jeanty it opens up a very pedestrian passing game. I am also hearing that we should be able to both run and pass against Boise. My expert says we will put up 40+ on Boise's defense. We'll see.

 

[OzLion]

Gap integrity.
My biggest fear against very talented running backs is someone in the front seven over-pursuing and leaving a cutback lane. Those guys can hit that opening and quickly be at the second level and off to the races.
Disciplined play to set the front, then get a lot of white hats to the football.

I thought one thing the Penn State defenders did really well against SMU in general, and the SMU QB in particular, is not letting them get outside to scramble. Instead of just going right for the diving tackle, they often kept their position and tried to hem them inside. I thought this was an improvement over earlier in the season.

 

[Hotshoe]

I'm not that games played 40 years ago mean much to the team today.

He's going to get his yards. Even if he has 150-175, I'm not sure it matters. I don't think they can wear down our defensive line because their OL isn't big enough. And eventually you force them into 3rd and long and I can't see them throwing on us effectively. In the end I'd hope we just outscore them if nothing else.

Their Oline averages over 310 lbs. They're legit sized.

 

[Delcolion915]

Their Oline averages over 310 lbs. They're legit sized.

They remind me of the 92 Redskins and the 95 Cowboys all rolled into one.

Christ when will it end 😆😂

 

[Delcolion915]

Tengawell is coming out with a video on this today. I suspect PSU will play a lot of one-on-one coverage with 7 or 8 focused on stopping the run. PSU is going to try and stop Jeanty and make them pass. We saw this against PSU when Saquon was our RB. I recall all three of tOSU's linebackers simply going wherever Saquon went. For example, if Saquon went around the left tackle, even tOSU's left linebacker (tOSU's left, our right) sold out to get to the other side of the field to stop him. I've never seen an entire defensive backfield forget covering anyone else but Saquon.

From what I am reading, Boise's O is good because people are so focused on Jeanty it opens up a very pedestrian passing game. I am also hearing that we should be able to both run and pass against Boise. My expert says we will put up 40+ on Boise's defense. We'll see.

Exactly. Against Oregon they had nothing but Jeanty. He got his, Gabriel played by far his worst game of the season, and they still couldn't stop Oregon and Oregon won. We have a better defense than Oregon. It doesn't mean we will automatically win the game, but it means if we play well on both sides of the ball we will win. If we don't? We won't. No different for any of the other 7 teams except MAYBE Texas.

 

[pointingdogsrule]

Tom Allen should consult with the best Defensive Coordinator we ever had as to how he shut down Hershel Walker in the national championship game.

I remember that plan: “Walker Lee Ashley” was assigned to shadow Herschel the entire game. Walker Lee did his job!!

 

[PSUWrestlingFanSince2011]

I think the main key is that we need to protect against the long runs. I don’t see Jeanty gashing us run after run but he can break one. I think if we limit Jeanty explosives we should win this game comfortably.

Jeanty breaks tackles like a machine and we have trouble tackling so we definitely need to have some extra help. Would be the perfect game for Winston.

 

[PAgeologist]

I thought I read something where the Boise State defense is rated as the worst tackling team in the country. They’ve given up more broken tackles and yards after contact than anyone. I would think that if Penn State can manage to score early, it will necessitate a different offensive game plan for Boise and force them to pass more than they want.

That's definitely a key. Force Boise to play from behind and pass more.

 

[Lion_Backer]

I remember that plan: “Walker Lee Ashley” was assigned to shadow Herschel the entire game. Walker Lee did his job!!

This approach has proven effective in the past:

*Beaver stadium lion growl noise'!

 

[bourbon n blues]

Tengawell is coming out with a video on this today. I suspect PSU will play a lot of one-on-one coverage with 7 or 8 focused on stopping the run. PSU is going to try and stop Jeanty and make them pass. We saw this against PSU when Saquon was our RB. I recall all three of tOSU's linebackers simply going wherever Saquon went. For example, if Saquon went around the left tackle, even tOSU's left linebacker (tOSU's left, our right) sold out to get to the other side of the field to stop him. I've never seen an entire defensive backfield forget covering anyone else but Saquon.

From what I am reading, Boise's O is good because people are so focused on Jeanty it opens up a very pedestrian passing game. I am also hearing that we should be able to both run and pass against Boise. My expert says we will put up 40+ on Boise's defense. We'll see.

He's right. We held Marcus Allen and Herschel Walker and check, of course it was 40 years ago or so but you get the picture. What amazing running back does not win you a football game these days. We'll get Katana Carter? He had an incredible offense around him.

Barkley had a pretty solid offense around him too. And if you recall there's times he was held to check. And I believe Penn State won those games rather Hanley. I think 2017 against Northwestern is a good example, Saquon might've had one big run or so but I believe he had 100 yards or so rushing only.

 

[bourbon n blues]

Tengawell is coming out with a video on this today. I suspect PSU will play a lot of one-on-one coverage with 7 or 8 focused on stopping the run. PSU is going to try and stop Jeanty and make them pass. We saw this against PSU when Saquon was our RB. I recall all three of tOSU's linebackers simply going wherever Saquon went. For example, if Saquon went around the left tackle, even tOSU's left linebacker (tOSU's left, our right) sold out to get to the other side of the field to stop him. I've never seen an entire defensive backfield forget covering anyone else but Saquon.

From what I am reading, Boise's O is good because people are so focused on Jeanty it opens up a very pedestrian passing game. I am also hearing that we should be able to both run and pass against Boise. My expert says we will put up 40+ on Boise's defense. We'll see.

Btw Saquon was held to 75 yards on 15 carries and we won 31-7. If we hold Jenty in check they're not winning.

 

[DELion]

Oregon is our one common opponent with BSU. Jeanty rushed for 192 yards on 25 carries, 7.7 yards per carry. Our combo of Singleton/Allen rushed for 229 yards on 24 caries, 9.5 yards per carry. I realize these type comparisons aren't always valid but I think it's a wash between our ground game and theirs. We have an advantage on defense and at QB. Take care of the football, avoid stupid penalties, I think we'll be fine.

 

[Delcolion915]

Again

Oregon is our one common opponent with BSU. Jeanty rushed for 192 yards on 25 carries, 7.7 yards per carry. Our combo of Singleton/Allen rushed for 229 yards on 24 caries, 9.5 yards per carry. I realize these type comparisons aren't always valid but I think it's a wash between our ground game and theirs. We have an advantage on defense and at QB. Take care of the football, avoid stupid penalties, I think we'll be fine.

Again you are not paying attention to the message boards. Allar struggling against SMU with 30 mph winds and 10 degrees wind chill 😂

 

[bvillebaron]

Their Oline averages over 310 lbs. They're legit sized.

Ivy League OLs average over 300 lbs.

 

[bvillebaron]

I would spy Jeanty with Rojas and call it a day. Rojas merely has to turn Jeanty’s runs back into the teeth of the defense. Otherwise this is Boise St and we can definitely play 10 vs their 11.

Don’t think you need to “spy” a running back. IMO the key is to control the LOS and play assignment football and maintain gap control. I am frequently wrong but I think two things: (1) with all the Jeanty hype the defense is determined to keep him under control and (2) Singleton and Allen and the OL are determined to prove they are pretty good too.

 

[bvillebaron]

How do stop Ashton? You use proper tackling technique.

• Look at his belly button; where it goes he goes.
• Don't try it use a cross block tackle!
• Don't lunge at him.
• Extend arms, aim at his belly button or lower; hit with your head in front of him; upon contact wrap arms and drive thru.

Help him up, give a pat on the arze; tell him next you'll try to hit him harder.

Remember: Always respect your opponent, then defeat them.

"Never fear your enemy but always respect them.” — John Basilone

“You have to respect your enemy. Never, ever underestimate them. The second you do, they’ll squash you. Be smart about them. Respect their abilities, even if they don’t respect yours.”​

— James Patterson

You must be old school like me. Can still remember my old man giving me the same advice: watch the belly button because that is where he is going and you can’t “juke” that. Seems like a lot of poor tackling could be fixed if today’s players heeded that advice.

 

[Hugh Laurie]

Tom Allen should consult with the best Defensive Coordinator we ever had as to how he shut down Hershel Walker in the national championship game.

I don't think Jerry is allowed visitors where he currently lives.

 

[bvillebaron]

I don't think Jerry is allowed visitors where he currently lives.

Well actually he probably is but it may only be once a week.

 

[ryoder1]

Boise's QB is going to need to play a great game and their passing game needs to be really good for them to avoid being one dimensional. I think our talent and quickness on the D line with DDS and Durant along with Carter should give their O Line major problems.

On offense we should be able to run the ball but they are a solid run defense team allowing an average of 113 yards per game and ranked #13. You have to factor in competition and their recent rush defense trend is not good. In the last 3 games they have given up 150 yards per game and in their last game they gave up 217 yards. This was against UNLV one of their better opponents. They were able to hold Oregon to 109 yards rushing but that was early and Oregon had not hit a groove offensively yet. Also we run the ball better than Oregon.

Beyond just pounding it with Singleton and Allen I think Allar and Warren are another key for us as both are better than anyone they have on defense. Then you factor in Singleton out of the backfield and we simply have too many weapons for them to contain.

 

[creamery freak]

You must be old school like me. Can still remember my old man giving me the same advice: watch the belly button because that is where he is going and you can’t “juke” that. Seems like a lot of poor tackling could be fixed if today’s players heeded that advice.

So if Ashton's jersey is covering his belly button we're doomed!😉

 

[RickinDayton]

You must be old school like me. Can still remember my old man giving me the same advice: watch the belly button because that is where he is going and you can’t “juke” that. Seems like a lot of poor tackling could be fixed if today’s players heeded that advice.

Same goes for basketball defense. Watch the midsection and move your feet (sliding), not crossing them over.

 

[Hugh Laurie]

How to slow down Ashton Jeanty? Keep him off the field!​

 

[SR108]

How do stop Ashton? You use proper tackling technique.

• Look at his belly button; where it goes he goes.
• Don't try it use a cross block tackle!
• Don't lunge at him.
• Extend arms, aim at his belly button or lower; hit with your head in front of him; upon contact wrap arms and drive thru.

Help him up, give a pat on the arze; tell him next you'll try to hit him harder.

Remember: Always respect your opponent, then defeat them.

"Never fear your enemy but always respect them.” — John Basilone

“You have to respect your enemy. Never, ever underestimate them. The second you do, they’ll squash you. Be smart about them. Respect their abilities, even if they don’t respect yours.”​

— James Patterson

Considering that we have one linebacker that actually tackles, and maybe one defensive back that actually tackles, our best bet is to get penetration with the DLine, but that can also be a problem when we over penetrate or slant the wrong way.

 

[green2623]

Perhaps Walker Lee Ashley is available for the game. He was the main reason we were able to stop Hershcel.

Which is why eleven needs to stay in at DE this game, and we need an interior rush on th QB.

 

[PAgeologist]

So if Ashton's jersey is covering his belly button we're doomed!😉

Maybe somebody can put a circle on his jersey with a Sharpie for the guys.

 

[HailToPitt725]

I heard Jeanty only has 800 yards untouched this season. Maybe Penn State should consider not touching him when he has the ball?

 

[psu1969a]

Maybe somebody can put a circle on his jersey with a Sharpie for the guys.

Idoit!!!!!!

 

[Lion_Backer]

Maybe Penn State should consider not touching him when he has the ball?

Do you mean the type of defense that Pitt employed against Toledo when attempting to prevent 2 point conversions in overtime?

That approach didn't work out too well for you guys....