Report Card: Penn State runs over Rutgers
It seems Penn State took one look at Rutgers and ran. Straight ahead. To the end zone. The Nittany Lions rolled up more than 200 rushing yards and ran for four touchdowns Saturday to roll over Rutgers, 28-3. Penn State’s defense was its usual solid self, picking off two passes and keeping Rutgers out of the end zone. If this keeps up, Penn State could turn into a big player in the Big Ten.
A banner night that produced over 450 yards worth of offense and three rushing touchdowns made memories rush back of how the Nittany Lions used to win in the Paterno era. Grade: A
OFFENSIVE LINE: Quarterback Christian Hackenberg wasn’t sacked once and the Lions had a pair of 100-yard rushers. If this keeps up, that much-maligned offensive line is going to be described as marvelous. Grade: A
QUARTERBACK: Christian Hackenberg managed the game well, but didn’t pass up the opportunity to hit a couple key passes. Grade: B
RUNNING BACKS: Akeel Lynch and Saquon Barkley both rushed for over 100 yards, giving Penn State its first game with a pair of 100-yard rushers since 2010 and its first back-to-back 200-yard rushing games since 2009. For good measure, Barkley added two touchdown runs and went for 195 rushing yards. Grade: A+
WIDE RECEIVERS: DaeSean Hamilton came through with a momentum-changing 48-yard reception and led the team with five catches. Grade: B
DEFENSE:
Two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a heavy rush that forced an intentional grounding call were the biggest moments in a night of hard, solid work. Grade: A
DEFENSIVE LINE: Austin Johnson had a sack and the Lions stuffed the Rutgers running game. Grade: B
LINEBACKERS: Brandon Bell had nine tackles and Jason Cabinda came up with a sack and assisted on another tackle in the backfield. The Lions are starting to recover from the loss of Nyeem Wartman-White. Grade: A+
DEFENSIVE BACKS: Marcus Allen was all over the field and the Lions contested just about every deep pass. Grade: B+
SPECIAL TEAMS: Looks like the Lions finally found a reliable punter in Chris Gulla. Grade: B
COACHING STAFF: Doesn’t James Franklin look like a genius when he finds a ground game? Grade: A
Penn State tight end Mike Gesicki (88) prays on the goal line before an NCAA college football game against Rutgers in State College Saturday State tight end Mike Gesicki (88) prays on the goal line before an NCAA college football game against Rutgers in State College SaturdayReach Paul Sokoloski at 570-991-6392 or on Twitter
