That core contributed to a pass rush that helped Penn State hold opponents to 174.5 passing yards per game, tenth-best in the country, and combined for 42.5 tackles for loss. Coordinated by Bob Shoop, whom other teams sought to hire despite his lack of interest, Penn State was the 14th-best defense in the country in terms of yards allowed. Sophomore linebacker Jason Cabinda emerged as the vocal leader of the defense after Nyeem Wartman-White was injured during the season opener, and compiled a team-leading 92 tackles during the season. Cabinda's conversion from outside linebacker to inside linebacker pressed redshirt freshman Troy Reeder into action as well, and he finished fourth on the team with 67 tackles. In the defensive backfield, safety Marcus Allen was the leader with 75 tackles, while Grant Haley led the team with six pass breakups.
