Penn State football is staring down a “White Out” adventure against the USC Trojans on Saturday night, and they’re doing it with their defensive depth chart looking thinner than ever. Sophomore linebacker Alex Tatsch just got declared “out” on the Big Ten’s pregame availability report, and that is a massive blow to a unit already fighting for its life. We’re talking about a guy who already racked up 11 tackles, 1.5 for loss, and forced a fumble in just four games this season. His absence couldn’t come at a worse time.
The Injury Bug Is Chewing Up the Defense
This isn’t just about Tatsch. Defensive tackle Armstrong Nnodim is still a “game time decision,” which means another key piece of that front seven is up in the air right until kickoff. The Nittany Lions are in dire need of a victory, especially after dropping their first two Big Ten games. That loss at Northwestern? Embarrassing doesn’t even begin to cover it. The defense needs all the help it can get, and instead, it’s losing crucial bodies. Linebacker is already thin as it is, with promising backup Cam Smith also sidelined by injury. Right now, the only healthy, reliable options are starters Tony Rojas and Kooper Ebel, and backup Cael Brezina. Coach Matt Campbell might even have to pull edge rusher Caleb Bacon back from defensive end just to patch things up. That’s how desperate it’s getting.
Who Else Is Out, and What It Means for the Trojans
The list of unavailable players for this USC game is brutal. Star receiver Koby Howard is out. Starting defensive end Max Granville is out for the season, for the second straight year, with an undisclosed injury. Kickoff specialist Cristiano Rosa is out too. And it doesn’t stop there: defensive ends LaVar Arrington II (out until mid- to late-October after August knee surgery), Mason Robinson, and Dayshaun Burnett are sidelined. Offensive lineman Will Thompkins, cornerbacks Tyler Armstead, Josh Johnson, and Christian Askew, and tight end Cooper Alexander are also on the unavailable list. This isn’t just a few minor tweaks. This is a significant chunk of the roster, hitting critical positions, especially on defense. How do you bounce back and try to salvage your Big Ten season when you’re this shorthanded? The Nittany Lions desperately need to win this one at Beaver Stadium, but they’re walking into a brawl with one hand tied behind their back.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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