Five Penn State football players to watch

Oct 10, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Carl Nassib (95) pressures Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Danny Cameron (18) during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Indiana 29-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

No. 4 Carl Nassib/Anthony Zettel

As good as Maryland’s pass rush is, Penn State arguably has the best in the conference. Two of the biggest reasons for that is the overpowering combination of Carl Nassib and Anthony Zettel. Nassib, who originally came to State College as a walk-on after never having started a game in high school, is one of the most relentless pass rushers around. The West Chester, Pa. native has an FBS-leading 12 sacks on the season, which makes his history even more impressive. Nassib is an extremely powerful player coming off the edge due to the fact that he has such long arms. On the other hand, Zettel is a guy that just wreaks havoc in the middle of the line. He seems to be in the backfield on nearly every play, and is one of the most active defensive linemen that you’ll see. In 2014, Zettel managed to haul in three interceptions, and already has one this season against Buffalo.

Maryland’s offensive line has been pretty solid through the first half of the season. However, this is probably their toughest challenge to date and that includes going up against Michigan and Ohio State. If the Terps are able to give Hills time to throw, it’ll go a long way in swaying the momentum in Maryland’s favor.