Penn State defensive tackle P.J. Mustipher looking to get back on track

When asked to gauge the play of Penn State’s defensive line this season, defensive tackle P.J. Mustipher focuses on one figure.

His team’s record.

“We’re 0-2, so I mean, it’s not up to our standards,” Mustipher said via video conference Wednesday. “We’ve got to get back to what we’re used to and who we are. I think that first starts with stopping the run. That’s been a big point of emphasis here in the past. I really think that’s what it has to be moving forward in order for us to get back on track where we want to go as a team this season.

“It’s been solid. I definitely think guys are playing great. But we’re 0-2 so there’s a lot of room for improvement. We’re going to have to do that in order for us to get this win this weekend.”

Beyond beefing up the rushing defense, Mustipher suggested more is needed from the pass defense, as well.

During Saturday’s 38-25 loss at home to Ohio State at Beaver Stadium, Penn State managed only two sacks of Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. In contrast, Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford was sacked five times.

“It starts in practice,” said Mustipher, who has no sacks this season. “You play how you practice. If we’re not getting the pressure, then we have to go back to what we’re doing exactly in practice, as far as getting it from the scout team, getting the type of (repetitions) one-on-one. And we have two of the best edge rushers in the country. They’re going to get a lot of attention. That’s when other guys have to step up. We’re going to continue working it in practice. We’ll take it from there.”

Things don’t figure to get easier this week against Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. During 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’s a dynamic runner and a dynamic passer. You saw that last week with the numbers that he put up against Minnesota,” Mustipher said. “He’s a very talented football player. We’re just going to have to do our job. That’s the biggest thing for us right now. Everybody had to focus on what they’re doing and not try to get out of that. Because when you have elite-level athletes who come in there, you know they can have success if you’re not doing your job.

“But you know when he’s scrambling, we have to have good rush lanes. We have to be aware of that. We’ll just take care of that as a defensive line.”

At 0-2, any hopes of Penn State winning a conference title or reaching the NCAA’s postseason tournament appear to have vanished. Mustipher finds motivation in that setback.

“All offseason, that’s what you work for,” Mustipher said. “That’s what all those summer workouts, all those winter workouts, you want to accomplish those goals. But in life, you’re going to face adversity. This isn’t the last time any of us are going to face adversity in our lives.

“So when adversity does happen, you have two options, really. You can stop what you’re doing, and you can let it affect you. Or you can use it as motivation and learn from it and continue to get better from the adversity. That’s kind of where we’re at right now. Yeah, we’re 0-2 but we’re not going to let it impact the rest of the season. We’re going to continue to work hard every day in practice. Like coach (James Franklin) says, we’re going to go 1-0 this week. That’s all we can do.”