Coach Allen inherited a defense in 2024 that had ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense at the end of the 2023 regular season, creating a great amount of pressure for him to maintain Penn State's tradition of elite defense. Penn State also had lost four players to the NFL Draft after the 2023 campaign. Allen has kept it steady and consistent this season. Through 11 games, Penn State ranks fifth in the nation in total defense (445.6; 2nd in B1G), seventh in scoring defense (14.6; 2nd) and rushing defense (99.3; 4th), ninth in pass defense (174.1; 4th) and 10th in first downs allowed (177; 4th). The Nittany Lions are also 14th in the country in tackles for loss per game (7.2; 1st), 19th in red zone defense (76.0; 2nd), 20th in pass efficiency defense (114.61; 5th) and 21st in defensive touchdowns (2; 3rd). Allen and the staff’s halftime adjustments have been impressive as well. Penn State has allowed just 15 points in the third quarter this season and only 55 points in the second half, ranking second in the nation in second half scoring defense (5.0). The Nittany Lions have allowed just 445 yards on 125 plays (3.56 yards per play) in the third quarter this season, including 109 rushing yards on 67 attempts (1.63 per rush). Penn State has allowed 1,198 total yards on 307 plays (3.90 yards per play) in the second half and overtime this season, including 377 rushing yards on 157 attempts (2.40 yards per rush). Also, in 2024, defensive end Abdul Carter sits third in the FBS (1st in B1G) with 17.5 tackles for loss this season, and is 20th nationally (4th) with eight sacks. Additionally, defensive tackle Zane Durant is fourth among Power Four defensive tackles (1st in B1G) with 8.5 tackles for loss and is tied for 10th among Power Four defensive tackles with 2.5 sacks (T-1st).
