As Penn State's offense takes what's given, defense leads the way into Iowa

These Nittany Lions move into the Big Ten with some significant questions yet to answer.

A road test at risky Iowa under the lights comes in six days.

Can Penn State run the football when needed? Can the defensive line put enough heat on a formidable opponent? Will the kicking game be reliable under pressure?

It seems like a lot to prove for the nation's No. 5 team, mostly because we don't understand how good it truly is yet because of inferior competition in comfy Beaver Stadium. Certainly not after whipping Georgia State, 56-0.

But here's the deal: Like last year, these Lions should continue to improve as the season unfolds. The offensive line is still finding itself because of younger talent and more shuffling. Special teams are becoming more of a weapon each week.

And there's this defense.

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Enough cannot be said about the potential here, especially in light of how the offense carried the day throughout last year's magical run. In light of the all-stars at quarterback, tailback and receiver.

We know Saquon Barkley will perform like a Heisman Trophy candidate in Iowa, whether he's catching passes rather than running from the backfield. He'll find his ways even if Iowa sells out to stop him carrying the ball.

Rather, the most intriguing part of this team continues to be on the other side of the ball. So many standout, superior athletes are finding themselves more each week — still led by a strong core of juniors and seniors.

Look to true freshman Tariq Castro-Fields, playing big minutes and snaring that athletic interception against Georgia State. Look to redshirt freshman defensive end Shaka Tony, who has become a regular third-down pass rusher in his first season on the field.

He may be too quick for Big Ten teams to handle fresh off the edge.

We could keep rolling off names, from defensive back Lamont Wade to linebacker Cam Brown to defensive end Ryan Buchholz.

The point is, using waves of players in key situations helps on any given Saturday with depth. It also will help this team fight off fatigue as the season wears on.

This is the most athletic defense Penn State has owned in forever. It may well turn into the best defense its had, overall, since NCAA sanctions hit five years ago.

And that's a nice safety net of sorts heading into Iowa. Because the Hawkeyes will throw their best shots and certainly may find ways to stagger Penn State's offense and Barkley at times.

But how will they account for a defense this deep and athletic, something it hasn't seen yet?

Always, the Lions showcase leaders like safety Marcus Allen and linebacker Jason Cabinda and defensive tackles Parker Cothren and Curtis Cothran. That's a given here.

But now they have a deep, learning supporting cast improving by the week. One that plays hungry. One not afraid to make mistakes and become better for it.

Look again to Allen, the emotional leader. He's inspiring with wicked hits to go along with his first career interception, which he just happened to return 50 yards against Georgia State.

"It felt like my birthday, to be honest," he said. "People don't understand how much hard work I put into that."

And that led into this question: How good can this defense, this entire team become? 

"We knew we were dangerous, but we see that we can be elite status," Allen said. "That we can really be an elite team. That's what we've just seen. Hard work and dedication, that's all it is."

The key, he said, are "the young guys, they go crazy, too. Them boys are athletically gifted."

One of the best Penn State defense? We're not near that status yet.

But it is one of the most intriguing as it develops, one that may mean all the difference in the world late Saturday night in Iowa.

One that's making its own name for itself a little more each week.