Just a few days out from taking on No. 2 Ohio State the Nittany Lions are “hopeful” to have defensive end Chop Robinson available Saturday. Robinson did not dress last weekend against Minnesota for undisclosed reasons and Penn State coach James Franklin generally does not address injuries or discipline related decisions. That being said, Franklin did confirm what was visible to reporters during Wednesday evening’s open practices periods – Robinson was nearing his return.
“Obviously against this unit, (with) their ability to throw the ball, being able to get pressure on the quarterback and make him feel uncomfortable in the pocket, that would be valuable,” Franklin said following practice of the possibility of having Robinson back against Ohio State. “He’s also been disruptive against the run. So we’re hopeful to have him. It’s still early in the week but he was able to practice today.”
Robinson has yet to record a start this season in a crowded defensive line room but has been a key contributor all season long. Even though Robinson has recorded just one sack so far this season, he has consistently provided Penn State’s pass defense with quarterback pressures all year long. “Obviously you guys know he’s been an explosive playmaker for us on the defensive side of the ball,” Franklin added.
The sophomore and former Maryland transfer could play a big part in Penn State’s attempts in slowing down Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud who is the nation’s Heisman frontrunner at the midway point of the year. Stroud leads the nation in passing touchdowns but is not as fleet of foot as some of his other Buckeye quarterbacking predecessors. In fact Stroud has no run this season longer than five yards.
In turn, as Franklin and Robinson hope, if Penn State can get to Stroud, they can make Ohio State’s afternoon just a little bit more difficult. Then again, the Buckeyes have given up just five sacks all year, a mark bettered by only three teams in the entire nation.
