Penn State LB Jason Cabinda was tired of hearing about Michigan’s defense. So the Nittany Lions made a statement

Penn State linebacker Jason Cabinda knew all about Michigan’s defense.

He heard about the Wolverines throughout the week. He knew some analysts believed they boasted the best unit in the country. He understood others thought their front-four was the Big Ten’s best.

He was tired of it.

“Everyone was talking about their defense, their defense, their defense,” Cabinda said. “So we had to come out and make a statement — and I think we did that today.”

The senior ’backer finished with 13 tackles in Saturday’s dominant 42-13 win — nearly twice as many as the game’s next-leading tackler, as four others had seven. Cabinda and the rest of the defense proved their point just about every conceivable way.

On the stat sheet, the Nittany Lions impressed with seven sacks, four quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. Off the stat sheet, Penn State swarmed Michigan’s ball-carriers and harassed its quarterback.

If Saturday was any indication, then that “their defense, their defense” talk should’ve included the blue and white. The Nittany Lions looked like the better unit, and that had Cabinda smiling even 30 minutes after the final whistle.

“I honestly think we should’ve had more than seven,” Cabinda said, referring to the sacks. “Those guys were really getting after it.”

Added fellow linebacker Koa Farmer, a few minutes earlier: “I missed a sack. I was pissed about that.”

Penn State often bottled up U-M quarterback John O’Korn, who previously had a penchant for extending plays. And the Lions held the running game in check by allowing just 2.5 yards a carry.

James Franklin acknowledged the defense could’ve done a better job in the second quarter, transitioning after Trace McSorley threw an interception. But that was splitting hairs.

“Anytime you hold a Division I opponent to less than 14 points,” defensive end Ryan Buchholz said, “I’d say it’s a pretty good game.”

Penn State entered the game allowing 285 yards per game and surrendered just 269 against the Wolverines. Michigan came in allowing 224; Penn State more than doubled that (506).

On one play, in the second half, Cabinda got loose from his blocker and — three steps and about a half-second later — he was in O’Korn’s face for a sack. That was a recurring theme Saturday.

Cabinda only finished with two solo tackles, but he was there to clean up his teammates’ stops from sideline to sideline. “I know I can count on Jason to back me up,” Farmer said.

Saturday’s performance was an obvious team effort. The Nittany Lions racked up 86 total tackles, yet no individual had more than three solo stops.

“Returning the favor,” Cabinda said, referring to last year’s big 49-10 loss to the Wolverines. “We’re going to enjoy the hell out of it.”

This story was originally published October 22, 2017 at 12:57 AM with the headline "Penn State LB Jason Cabinda was tired of hearing about Michigan’s defense. So the Nittany Lions made a statement."