Game Balls
OFFENSE
QB Ron Kellogg III, Nebraska - The senior came off the bench to inspire a rekindled Cornhuskers offense in the second quarter. He completed 20-of-34 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown, and Nebraska's offense moved only when he was under center.
DEFENSE
LB Mike Hull, Penn State - The Nittany Lions' defense was the bright spot Saturday, allowing only one touchdown, and Hull was a big reason the Huskers' running game didn't rip off many big plays. He finished with nine tackles.
SPECIAL TEAMS
KR Kenny Bell, Nebraska - Just when Penn State had started to build momentum after halftime, Bell took it away. He answered Penn State's lead-taking touchdown run by Chrisitan Hackenberg with a 99-yard kickoff return for a score that gave the edge right back to the Cornhuskers.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
PK Pat Smith, Nebraska - The senior had easily his best game in a Nebraska uniform, drilling three field goals, including the game-winner from 42 yards in overtime. He also hit a 19-yarder to tie the game with 4:29 left.
Report Card
Quarterback: Christian Hackenberg simply left too many plays on the table, overthrowing open receivers. Drops didn't help him, but in a close game, you looked to the plays he missed. Completed just 16-of-33 for 217 in not-so-great conditions, though. GRADE: C
Running back: The Lions played without leading rusher Bill Belton, but Zach Zwinak carried the load and was the main focus of the offense. He rushed 35 times for 149 yards. Most importantly, he kept the chains moving. GRADE: B+
Receiver: Jesse James made the big catch and run play that got PSU the fourth-quarter lead. But all around, it wasn't a great day for the receivers. Allen Robinson and Brandon Felder both dropped passes. GRADE: B-
Offensive line: This group has gotten incrementally better as the season went along, and for the third straight week, you could argue they played their best game of the season. Handled the run blitz well and protected Hackenberg. GRADE: A-
Defensive line: The Nittany Lions were impressive up front, led by end C.J. Olaniyan, whose third quarter sack of quarterback Ron Kellogg III, strip and subsequent fumble recovery set up Penn State's first lead of the second half. GRADE: B+
Linebacker: The linebackers have been up and down, but on Saturday, they were up. Mike Hull and Glenn Carson led the way with a combined 19 tackles, but the Nittany Lions also got a strong effort from Valley View grad Nyeem Wartman as well. GRADE: B+
Secondary: Nebraska missed some open receivers, and the Nittany Lions defensive backs jumped a few routes they shouldn't have. Kellogg gave the Cornhuskers a good shot to win through the air, passing for 191 yards in relief. GRADE: C+
Special: Just a terrible all-around performance. Missed an extra point. Had a punt blocked. Allowed a 99-yard kickoff return for a score. Killed the team. GRADE: F
Coaching: Bill O'Brien again said he has to coach better. But play calling seemed sound, for the most part, considering situations and conditions. It comes down to executing, and on special teams, Penn State didn't. GRADE: C
- By Donnie Collins