Things are far from normal for Penn State and cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields.

Or the entire world in general.

The coronavirus pandemic not only led to the Big Ten conference delaying the start of the season, but the precautions to prevent illness have led to a feeling of isolation.

“I got to see my mom last week for probably a quick second,” Castro-Fields said via video conference Wednesday. “But other than that, I haven’t been able to see (family) and talk to them and things like that. The hardest part is just realizing that times aren’t normal. After games, we’re just going home. We’re not seeing any outside people. We’re just seeing our teammates all the time. You’ve just got to realize that to do what we want to do and be safe.

“Times ain’t normal. I think it’s harder for the younger guys to get that. We’re just trying to stay on them and telling them this is what we’ve got to do.”

Another aspect of life that is far different for Penn State, albeit of far lesser consequence, is the school’s 0-2 start. The Nittany Lions are hoping to avoid their first 0-3 start since 2001 when they host Maryland (1-1) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

“It’s a big game just because it’s next,” Castro-Fields said. “You can’t harp on things because you can’t change them now. Just trying to put in the best work week that we can to be successful on Saturday. I’m just trying to be an overall leader.”

“No matter what, my attention to detail has to be the same, my work ethic has to be the same, my preparation has to be the same because I’ve got young guys that are watching me and how I act. I’m just trying to be as consistent as I can be throughout any trials and tribulations, valley or whatever may come. Just trying to be the same guy no matter what. I think that’s kind of the key.”

Penn State’s defense will have an ample challenge in Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. In a 45-44 overtime home win against Minnesota on Saturday, Tagovailoa completed 26 of 35 passes for 394 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns.

“He makes plays with his legs,” Castro-Fields said. “He does a good job of extending plays. A good arm, can make throws and things like that. The main thing that we’ve got to do is do our job. Don’t try to be Superman. Whatever your role for that defense or that call says for you to do, just do that and plays will come. When people try to be Superman, that’s not a recipe for anything that we want to see. Just everyone do their job and just be respectful to everyone doing their job. Just knowing the guy next to you is going to his job as well for you to make the play. Just everyone doing their job, I would say, is the key.”

Castro-Fields appears confident if he and his teammates remain steadfast in their duties, they’ll record a win Saturday.

“First of all, we’ve just been attacking practice hard,” Castro-Fields said. “I’ve been trying to be on the young guys on just every little detail that I’m doing and just making sure I’m filling my responsibilities well of just working hard every day. Coming with energy and juice because you don’t get any days back.

“First, just coming hard to practice. Second, I thought man coverage we’ve been doing extremely well. Last week, we had a couple of big plays that guys had happen to them. We’ve just to keep improving and keep striving to being the best that we can be.”

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