Georgia vs. Penn State is a bowl match-up that should bring to mind tough running games and powerful defenses. However, for the 2015 season, both teams have struggled on offense and neither has stopped quality opponents. Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg has been sacked more than eighty times in two years – 80 – eight zero. Does that give you any indication of UGA will approach defensive game planning?
Here are are some video clips (and articles) to give you a better idea of what to expect from the Nittany Lions the January 2 TaxSlayer Bowl from Jacksonville:
This quote from PennLive sums up Hackenberg’s season:
“You could tell toward the end (Hackenberg) was flinching at the end of his throws, ducking to try and get out of the way,” Wormley said.
“That was the goal all along.”
That’s typically the goal when a defense faces this offense.
Hit Hackenberg. And keep hitting him.
Temple did it. So did Ohio State and Northwestern. Michigan made hitting him look easy Saturday.
Let’s start with an overview of the problems Penn State has had all year from a couple of beat writers.
Penn State-Michigan State James Franklin Recap
Next take a look at the Nittany Lion defense via this highlights video of a Michigan State player.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4fBJ1-B7q4
Hackenberg arrived in State College during the height of the scandal and has led an undermanned squad during his career. Here is an NFL draft projection on him written after the 2015 loss to Northwestern.
Hackenberg also took a couple of sacks where he held the ball for too long. He had a lot of forced throws and poor decisions from a very clean pocket, one that was much cleaner than he’s ever going to see on Sundays. I watched his game against Temple earlier this year, and his offensive line didn’t give him much of a chance that day. That wasn’t the case vs. Northwestern. The O-line gave him a chance, and Hackenberg was very average.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000574696/article/christian-hackenberg-looks-more-like-project-than-prospect
Hackenberg vs. Northwestern:
Hackenberg vs. Illinois
Hackenberg vs. Michigan State
Finally, do not be surprised if you see this play against UGA.
REPLAY: Gotta see that Hackenberg TD catch again, right? Won't get much more open that. Nice job to sell the play.https://t.co/dxS09RPqS4
— Derek Levarse (@TLdlevarse) October 31, 2015