Micah Parsons watch: Rookie's growth not enough again for Penn State and defense
Frank Bodani
The Penn State defenders played well enough to win, yet again.
Part of that continued progress came from true freshman linebacker Micah Parsons, who continued his steady progress. He rotated series again with senior Koa Farmer.
Harrisburg's Parsons made five tackles in another heartbreaking defeat, this time 21-17 to the Michigan State Spartans on homecoming.
More:Penn State stunned as tired defense falters in final seconds, 21-17, to Michigan State
His biggest play came on an early fourth-quarter blitz that forced Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke to throw early and incomplete to end a drive.
Parsons is tied for fourth on the team in total tackles with fellow linebacker Cam Brown. Both have 33 through six games.
The most improved Penn State defender, though, may well be safety Garrett Taylor. The redshirt junior led the team with six tackles against the Spartans but, more impressively, defended five passes.
He caught a tipped pass for an interception early in the third quarter and returned it 37 yards — his second big pickoff and return in as many games.
Despite giving up the winning points at the end, this young, transitioning defense frustrated Lewerke into 24-of-52 passing and held him under 200 yards for most of the game.
They sacked him three times.
