Penn State’s collective ballhawking nature — a trait that’s carried the Nittany Lion defense through five games — was apparent on the second defensive series of the season.
Akron quarterback Tommy Woodson dropped a halfback screen off to Warren Ball, who was immediately popped by linebacker Manny Bowen. The battering ram couldn’t finish off his crushing blow, but defensive end Ryan Buchholz did. The 6-foot-6, 275-pounder was there to greet the escaping Ball, forcing a fumble. In less than two seconds, six Nittany Lions were around the ball.
Somehow, the Zips recovered. But that hasn’t happened often this season.