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Penn State defense scrambling for linebackers

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Through four games this season, Penn State has used five players at middle linebacker.

First, it was starter Jason Cabinda. But the junior lasted only one game before an undisclosed injury sidelined him. Then redshirt senior Nyeem Wartman-White stepped into his former spot, but he only managed about five quarters before enduring a season-ending injury early against Temple.

That’s when redshirt junior Brandon Smith took up the position, earning his first start Saturday in a 49-10 loss at Michigan. But he left the game early in the second quarter on a targeting call.