Game Grades: Michigan State vs. Penn State
Quarterback: C+
This has been Christian Hackenberg’s best game since Ohio State a couple weeks ago. Hackenberg’s struggles have been well documented behind an inexperienced offensive line that has given up 40 sacks this season. He rebounded from one of his worst games of his young Penn State career against Illinois where he failed to throw for 100 yards, and was a better 21-45 for 195 yards. However, he threw an interception and lost a fumble against a talented Michigan State defense. Hackenberg has regressed mightily since the beginning of the season but hopefully with the growth of his offensive line and playmakers around him, next year he can showcase the talent we all know he has.
Running Backs: F
After three weeks of having a rusher over 100 yards, Penn State runners rushed for an anemic total of 38 yards on 22 carries and gained 1.7 yards per rush. Akeel Lynch gained 51 yards on 14 carries and Bill Belton gained 3 yards on 1 carry. The Spartans cooled off Lynch who’s had a great past two games and completely shut out senior Bill Belton in his last home game as a Nittany Lion.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: C-
Against this vaunted Michigan State pass defense, the Nittany Lions receivers managed to have a pretty good game. DaeSean Hamilton led receivers with 55 yards gained on 6 catches. The Penn State receivers started off great, but with Hackenberg having little to no protection as the season progressed, they haven’t been given the opportunities they had earlier in the season. The youth of this offense was shown over time but with all the experience these receivers gained this year, I can only imagine the problems they will give the rest of the nation over the next couple of years.
Offensive Line: D+
After making strides the past few weeks, the Nittany Lions’ inexperience was shown again on Saturday. They couldn’t move the Spartans off the line and make holes for the running backs, and Hackenberg also faced constant pressure. The offensive line has been the biggest disappointment this season, and I can only hope it gets better. The Spartans have had a consistently great defense under Mark Dantonio and Saturday’s game showed how dominant the Spartans are. Next season, the Nittany Lions need a serious overhaul in this area because they have all the offensive tools around them to be great, and this potential can’t be shown if they can’t protect their quarterback and give him time to throw or produce running lanes for their running backs.
Defensive Line: B+
Michigan State’s quarterback Connor Cook faced consistent pressure all night and was forced to get rid of the ball quickly. This group would’ve gotten an A, but the Spartans rush offense repeatedly had big gains and Jeremy Langford ended up with a tough 118 yards gained on the ground. Also, the Nittany Lions worked with a short field due to the offense’s consistent three and outs. Unfortunately when they needed stops, they couldn’t get them. It was a joy to watch this group all season; if only the offense could’ve produced points, this defense would’ve been even more special.
Linebackers/ Safeties: B+
Being forced to work with a short field isn’t good for any secondary, and this defense has done all it could this season to keep this team in the game. But, it wasn’t happening Saturday against a great Michigan State team. This offense doesn’t make many mistakes and with their passing game not really effective, the Spartans used their rushing attack to produce against this tough Nittany Lion defense. Penn State has many important players who are seniors on this defense, and they’re going to miss them dearly next season.
Special Teams: D
If it weren’t for Sam Ficken hitting his 23rd field goal this year to set a Penn State single season record, this underachieving group would’ve gotten an F. They gave up a heartbreaking opening kickoff for a touchdown, and repeatedly gave the Spartans great field position. There was one solid kick by punter Daniel Pasquariello that pinned the Spartans inside their 10-yard line, but no other highlights produced by this group. The Nittany Lions haven’t produced on special teams all season and with the departure of Ficken, they desperately need to get better in this area next season.
Game Experience: D
I thought this was a poor time to have a game due to students having their Thanksgiving break and to me it showed in the attendance. There was announced crowd of 99, 902, but with many lots closed, the actual number was probably closer to 80,000. With the Spartans running back the opening kickoff for a touchdown, I felt like the crowd wasn’t really into the game. The offense wasn’t producing and the defense had a hard time stopping the Michigan State rushing offense. By the end of the third quarter, fans started to clear out and head for the exits. This game exposed all the flaws that Penn State has had all season, and hopefully things will change next season.
Coaching Staff: D
The offensive playcalling was questionable all afternoon, but with an inexperienced and ineffective offensive line there isn’t much you can do to produce. Hack had some bad throws, including the interception to Trae Waynes with the team driving, but I think the team needs to take advantage of his arm and turn away from the run when it’s clearly not working. They did a better job of putting the ball in his hands this game, and even though they didn’t win, I think it was a step in the right direction for this team to be successful.
Paul Jones is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him please email him at pauljones1724@yahoo.com.
