Week 7 Grades

It’s funny how the world works.  There always seems to be equality in things – the proverbial ying and yang.  Even us Transformers have Autobots and Decepticons.  Both sides are important because without one, the other could not exist.  In 2005, Penn State followed one of its greatest victories ever, with one of its most heart wrenching losses.  8 years later (or the equivalent of two entire classes of Penn Staters), it happened again, only in reverse order.  The Indiana game was tough to swallow.  The only team in the Big Ten still winless against Penn State finally broke the streak.  Most Nittany Lion fans were out of it all week, and the much anticipated Michigan game seemed to lose some of its luster… well what a difference a week makes!  Penn State played inspired football, especially at the end, leaving everything they had on the field as they came from behind to win an epic contest in 4 overtimes and beat the previously undefeated Michigan Wolverines!  In a strange way, this win wouldn’t have felt as good without the depression that followed Indiana.  So it’s fitting that as bad as last week’s grades were, this week’s are equally as awesome.  Let’s roll em out! 

Offense

QB: (A-) To be honest, Hackenberg probably deserves a B or even a C here.  He only completed about 50% of his passes while throwing two picks.  But, that final 80 yd drive to tie the game was nothing short of legendary.  With the poise of a seasoned veteran, he made all the right plays when he needed to the most, setting up arguably the greatest ending to a Penn State game ever… and this is only the beginning.

OL: (B) Some people have complained that the pocket was too small, holes for running backs weren't big enough, and Hackenberg was sacked/hurried too many times.  Those people may be right.  However, I saw an offensive line that has routinely given Christian Hackenberg all day to throw and paved the way for 3 different backs to have success.  I’ll have to see a lot more mistakes before I fault these guys too much.

RB: (A) True, Zwinak’s fumble almost lost the game for Penn State.  On the other hand, Belton’s 4^th and 1 rumble straight up saved it, and his 2 yd scamper outright won it.  Screw the stats, this one’s all about giving props where they’re due.

WR: (A+) This season has been the Allen Robinson show, and Saturday was no exception.  He hauled in two of his best catches as part of a last minute drive that will go down in the annals of Penn State history.  But the question was always, who will step up as the #2 target?  Enter Brandon “sometimes I use Mosby” Felder.  His 6 catches for 97 yds and 2 TDs were a statement after sitting out last week with an injury.  He even joined Robinson on the final drive with a catch of his own.  Watch out Big Ten, this kid’s for real! 

TE: (A-) Some commentators were complaining after the Indiana loss, “where are the tight ends?”  I think they answered that question on Saturday.  Although Breneman didn't catch a single pass, Carter and James combined for 8 catches and 91 yds.  So, what was it you guys were saying again?

Defense

DL: (A) Da’Quan Jones was his usual self, Anthony Zettel got an interception, and C.J. Olaniyan lead the Big Ten with 2.5 sacks, earning Defensive Player of the Week honors in the process.  Oh, and stud Michigan RB Fitz Toussaint got a whopping 27 yds on 27 carries (seriously).  Any more questions?

LB: (B-) They did well in run support, but they still haven’t figured out a way to help out the secondary in the pass game.  Not to mention it was clear that none of our guys was good enough to keep Devin Gardner in check when he decided to run.  Hopefully this bye week gives them time to regroup and heal up.

DB: (C) Whew, if Devin Gardner could throw the ball we might’ve been in trouble.  The one saving grace was Jordan Lucas’ interception.  However, Jeremy Gallon and Devin Funchess combined for 11 catches for 207 yds and 3 TDs.  Ouch.  Amos, the veteran do-it-all defensive back, and one of the best athletes on the team, didn't help matters with his 3 penalties.  Still, I appreciate the aggressiveness?

Special Teams
K: (C) Ficken went 3/5, which is respectable enough I guess.  But if he had made just one of those two missed kicks, Penn State would’ve won a lot sooner and I might not have lost ten years of my life due to stress.  Then again, the ending wouldn’t have been nearly as epic, so whatever.

P: (B) For once Alex Butterworth wasn't half bad, averaging 44.8 yds/punt with 2 touchbacks.  Jesse Della Valle had 3 decent returns, too.  The punting still isn't great, but it’ll do.

Overall: (A) We just beat freaking Michigan on Homecoming in the best Penn State football game in nearly a decade.  What grade did you seriously think I was going to give them?!  It wasn't pretty at times, but it was entertaining as hell.  Congrats all around!

I don’t think the bye week could’ve come at a better time.  Now we all get to bask in the awesomeness that was this game for an entire extra week and the team gets an extra week to prepare for the biggest test of their season: Ohio State.  This time, Hackenberg and crew are taking their show on the road for another night game in primetime on ABC.  Maybe, if we wish hard enough, we’ll get another game as memorable as this one.  Awards are up tomorrow.  See you then!