Re-shaped Penn State? Fast starts carrying Lions to perfect record

STATE COLLEGE — They were known as the best second-half team in the land last year.

It was a heart-stopping, made-for-movies formula in 2016 for the Big Ten champion Nittany Lions. They'd fall behind early, look lost and then storm back behind their bombs-away offense and Saquon Barkley.

Things are different now. With even better results.

This team certainly proved its No. 2 position and 7-0 record in the way it overwhelmed Michigan. A 42-13 victory before a record crowd supports that well.

Certainly, this is a deeper, more balanced team than last year.

A better team, no matter where the next few games lead.

And it all starts with how the Nittany Lions are starting.

Now, rather suddenly, the team that almost wished the first quarter didn't exist last season is the best in the country at owning it.

They have outscored opponents 90-0 in the opening quarter this season. They are the only team in the nation not scored upon in the first quarter.

Sure, they've hit some lulls after explosive beginnings against Pitt and Indiana and now Michigan.

But it's a heck of a lot easier coming back, so to speak, when you're already ahead. That's a huge step when you consider that opponents have had an entire year to prepare for Penn State's high-powered offense and Saquon Barkley.

Huge, too, when you're the hunted, not the hunter anymore.

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After beating Michigan, coach James Franklin sounded as if those faster starts were the centerpiece focus of the off-season.

"When you have an explosive offense like we do and you're playing really good first-quarter defense and you can get a lead" he said, "it changes how people have to play.

"We're playing with an aggressive mindset and aggressive mentality in all three phases."

That is the result of a lot of small things put together. This defense was decimated by injuries last year, especially early at linebacker. They are healthier and deeper now. 

The offense is now accustomed to coordinator Joe Moorhead's plans in the second year. The learning curve has nearly vanished.

But 90-0 in the first quarter through seven games? That makes up for a lot of hiccups that happen later. That gives the cushion needed to counter-punch after opponents adjust.

Penn State is working from the position of strength each week, even if doesn't always truly look like it.

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Linebacker Koa Farmer seemed surprised when notified of "90-0" after beating Michigan.

The key he and other players said has been a shift in practice. Now, the first-team defense goes against the first-team offense to start workouts. They didn't do that until the middle or even the end of practice last year.

A subtle shift to some. But, apparently, that's made all the difference in mentality and preparation.

"We emphasize more speed on speed, getting it going early," Farmer said.

This stat shows how maybe the most underappreciated defense in the nation is growing. Michigan and its star players received most of the attention last week. But Penn State was better by swarming with waves of more anonymous parts, relentless in pursuit, faster than expected, more precise.

And they're doing it from the first series of the game.

Week after week after week.

Some are finally beginning to notice beyond the Big Ten. This coming week at Ohio State will be the ultimate test, so far.

"We want to come out attacking. Our coaches are calling aggressive calls. It matters ... a lot," said linebacker Jason Cabinda. "Coaches calling aggressively and having the trust in us and the confidence in us to execute those tougher calls.

"It's big."

Big enough to carry this team to No. 2 in the nation, closer to the precipice of things not accomplished here in 23 years.

No reason why the first quarter won't tell the story again in Columbus.

And you almost got to like the Lions' chances now.