Week 5 Grades

It was an ugly loss, so you all probably know what’s coming.  I told you this week's posts were going to be short, and I think this one definitely qualifies.  I’m only doing this post out of principle, so let’s get it over with.

Offense

QB: (F) Hackenberg threw less than 50 percent with no TDs and an INT.  We all know the offensive line is terrible, but even when he had time he made incredibly poor decisions.

OL: (F-) What else is there to say about this group?  They just might be the worst offensive line in Penn State history.  If the wheels fall off and the losses start piling up, these guys will be the sole reason why.

RB: (F) We know they’re talented, but behind this line they’ll never be able to show it.  They netted 50 yds between 5 guys, end of story.

WR: (D) Hamilton had a great 51 yd catch that helped him hit exactly 100 yds.  Otherwise, these guys would have gotten an F too.

TE: (F) Only two TEs caught passes and the group as a whole continues to be non-existent in helping the offensive line with any kind of blocking.

Defense

DL: (C) There are times these guys show flashes of dominance, and yet again they did a decent job stopping the run.  But they didn't bring pressure on the QB and Trevor Siemian picked apart the secondary.   

LB: (D) Mike Hull is still a beast with a personal best 16 tackles on the day.  However, without Nyeem Wartman, who was out with an injury, this group had no answer for the Wildcats passing offense.

DB: (F) 10 different Northwestern receivers combined for 258 yds.  There were times when I swear we didn't have enough men on the field because there’s no way someone could get THAT open.  This group was the defensive equivalent of the offensive line.

Special Teams

K: (D) Sam Ficken had another one of his FGs blocked but was also the only reason Penn State wasn't shut out.  Still, he had no height on his kickoffs, and he was even credited with a tackle after he saved one of his kicks from becoming a TD.  Not good.

P: (F) Gulla shanked his first attempt and overall went well below his season average.  The punt coverage unit was about as good as the kick coverage unit.

Alright, hopefully you made it through that.  The good news is that I have something planned for tomorrow, so please come back then.  Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @PSUOptimus, and as always, go State!