Penn State linebacker Rojas drives defense through losing streak

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 21:27 · Archive

Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas, who has returned from a knee injury, is anchoring the Nittany Lions' defence as they seek to salvage a bowl appearance.

Tony Rojas returned to Penn State's defence this season after missing nearly all of last year with a knee injury sustained in the team's Week 5 loss to Oregon. The junior linebacker now anchors a Nittany Lions defence facing a significant challenge: Penn State is 3-4 overall and 0-4 in Big Ten play, mired in a four-game losing streak.

Rojas leads the team in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. He also holds six career interceptions, two of them coming this season. Defensive end Yvan Kemajou praised Rojas's all-around play. "Getting interceptions, TFLs, sacks. Great player. On the field, we just have that confidence knowing he's there," Kemajou said.

The defence has often been left exposed by an offence that averages just 18.5 points per Big Ten game and has scored just three second-half touchdowns in conference play. Despite these struggles, Rojas remains confident. He watched from the sideline last season as Penn State lost six straight to start Big Ten play before winning out to earn a bowl appearance and victory against Clemson.

Rojas said his primary focus is winning. "I just want to win out," he said. "I think winning is my biggest thing, and all those accolades and whatever, it doesn't really do anything good for me. I just want to win."

Penn State will seek its first Big Ten win under coach Matt Campbell when Purdue visits Beaver Stadium on Saturday. The Boilermakers are 3-4 overall and 2-2 in Big Ten play. The Nittany Lions must win three of their final five games to secure a bowl appearance.

How it is being reported

• PSU LB named semifinalist for nation's best at positionPenn State linebacker Tony Rojas continues to be rewarded for his impressive success this season.PennLive · 29 Oct, 18:25
• Penn State’s Tony Rojas is getting NFL Draft buzz, and he believes he has ‘a lot more to show’Pittsburgh Post-Gazette · 29 Oct, 15:00
• Penn State linebacker Rojas anchoring Nittany Lion defense through losing streakTony Rojas stuck around at Penn State because he believed the Nittany Lions could compete for a conference championship.TribLIVE · 28 Oct, 21:14

In this story: Tony Rojas · Penn State · Yvan Kemajou · Matt Campbell · Purdue · Big Ten · Beaver Stadium · Clemson

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