Penn State
Report
Player of the Game
RB Akeel Lynch,
Penn State
He went untouched for a 75-yard TD run that put Penn State up 21-0, but the junior was pretty solid outside of that one run. Lynch gained 120 yards on 10 carries to lead a dominant running game.
Game Balls
RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State
The freshman picked up where he left off against Buffalo, churning out 195 yards on 21 carries, while scoring two touchdowns.
LB Brandon Bell,
Penn State
Made his return to the lineup after injuring his ankle against Temple and made nine tackles.
LG Derek Dowrey,
Penn State
Gets the game ball for an offensive line that worked extremely well against the Knights.
P Chris Gulla,
Penn State
Punted five times, pinning Rutgers inside its 20 each time and averaging 41 yards per punt.
Report Card
Quarterbacks
Christian Hackenberg wasn’t as sharp as he was against Buffalo, especially in the second half. But he did throw for 141 yards and completed 10-of-19 passes. GRADE: C
Running Backs
Clearly, Saquon Barkley is no one-hit wonder, as he ran for 195 yards and scored two touchdowns. But Akeel Lynch might have been even better in this one, going untouched for a 75-yard score that essentially broke Rutgers’ back. GRADE: A
Wide Receivers
Penn State needed a bigger contribution from DaeSean Hamilton, and got it. He caught five passes and set up a touchdown with a tough grab inside the 10. Chris Godwin was solid again, as were Brandon Polk and DeAndre Thompkins on those jet sweeps. GRADE: B+
Offensive Line
Barkley and Lynch were running through gaping holes most of the first half, and Hackenberg was very well protected for the second straight game. This group has made terrific strides. GRADE: A-
Defensive Line
Rutgers QB Chris Laviano showed good presence in the pocket and quick feet, because this group got really strong pressure without ever recording a sack. Austin Johnson made plenty of noise in this one, and Rutgers’ strong running game never got going. GRADE: A-
Linebackers
Fans are going to love the way Troy Reeder plays. He was a factor all day against the run. Jason Cabinda was a key in pass defense, and the Nittany Lions got a big boost from the return of Brandon Bell, who had
nine tackles. GRADE: A-
Secondary
Laviano piled up some numbers, because he threw almost every down in the second half. But the PSU defense was up to the challenge, with returning starter Grant Haley and freshman John Reid ending Knights drives with interceptions. GRADE: A-
Special Teams
Penn State may have actually won the game with Chris Gulla’s punting. Each of his five punts pinned Rutgers inside its 20, and dangerous return man Janarion Grant had just one return for -1 yard on them. GRADE: A
Coaching
Have to credit James Franklin’s staff. The reshuffling of the offensive line worked. Gulla worked. Barkley has played a bigger role, and that has worked. Outside of two really lousy play calls on third-and-1 inside Rutgers territory in the third quarter, very solid play-calling. GRADE: A-
— By Donnie Collins