The South Carolina Gamecocks defense has shown promise this season, ranking high in forced turnovers despite a recent 36-33 loss to LSU, where they struggled against the run. Coach Clayton White's defensive strategies have faced criticism after allowing significant yardage in the second half, but he maintains the need to adapt against talented offenses. Meanwhile, Penn State is looking to improve its tackling and communication after a narrow win against Bowling Green, as they prepare to face Kent State. Southern University's defense, ranked first in the SWAC for yards allowed, was humbled in a defeat against Jackson State, prompting coaches to emphasize the importance of mental focus going forward. Both South Carolina and Southern aim to bounce back and address their defensive shortcomings in upcoming games. As teams navigate the early parts of the season, the focus remains on refining defensive strategies to enhance overall performance.