Penn State star DE Chop Robinson returns to practice before Michigan game

A few weeks ago the Penn State football traveled to Columbus to face the Ohio State Buckeyes. Unfortunately, the Nittany Lions lost that game, but on top of that, they lost a major piece on defense as well. We saw star defensive end Chop Robinson get carted off during the Ohio State matchup. He proceeded to miss the next two games against Indiana and Maryland. Last weekend, Robinson traveled to Maryland and he warmed up with the team. But he was there for morale and not for impact on the field. But during practice media availability we saw Chop Robinson return to the field ahead of the Michigan game. James Franklin later commented on his expectations for Robinson this weekend.

Penn State football star DE Chop Robinson returns to practice

Penn State football fans want to see the Nittany Lions at full strength this weekend in the Top 10 showdown against Michigan. From reports from Penn State’s practice tonight, it sounds likely that we will see Chop Robinson back in action in the biggest game of the season. James Franklin commented on Robinson’s status following tonight’s practice.

Franklin said, “I think I said that to you guys on Monday that we are hopeful that he [Chop Robinson] will be ready to go.” He continued, ” Good, I spent most of the time on the offensive side of the field, so I gotta watch the tape. But he looked good on Sunday, looked good on Monday, but yeah good.”

You can watch the full James Franklin midweek practice press conference on the Basic Blues Nation YouTube channel.

Not only will Penn State need Robinson for his pass-rushing ability. They will need his support in stopping the run. Something the Nittany Lions were unable to do in Ann Arbor last season. In 2022, the Penn State defense allowed 418 rushing yards to Michigan. You would imagine Manny Diaz has not allowed his guys to forget that this week.

Defensive line depth will be key in containing JJ McCarthy

The Michigan Wolverines have a Heisman candidate in quarterback JJ McCarthy. So far this season he has passed for 2,134 yards with 18 touchdown passes and 3 interceptions. But where he also poses a threat is his ability to run the ball. McCarthy has rushed for 137 yards and 3 touchdowns as well. James Franklin called out the importance of depth on Penn State’s defense line.

Franklin stated, “Yeah, it’s really important at this point of the year that we have at least a two-deep going into the game. That’s gained experience so that allows you with a three deep to have maybe one guy that bumped up or bruised. So, I think the depth is really important. They have a lot of depth on their defense and their front seven and play a ton of guys, we do as well. This quarterback is a heck of an athlete and being able to have fresh bodies in there to chase him and create pressure is going to be really important.”

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