SPORTS

Game Grades: Michigan State

vs. Penn State
Story posted December 1, 2014 in Sports, ComRadio by Paul Jones

Quarterback: C+
This has been Christian Hackenbergs best game since
Ohio State a couple weeks ago. Hackenbergs 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 whos 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: CAgainst 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 havent 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 couldnt
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 Saturdays 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 cant be shown if they cant protect their
quarterback and give him time to throw or produce running
lanes for their running backs.
Defensive Line: B+
Michigan States quarterback Connor Cook faced
consistent pressure all night and was forced to get rid of the
ball quickly. This group wouldve 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 offenses consistent three and outs.
Unfortunately when they needed stops, they couldnt get
them. It was a joy to watch this group all season; if only the
offense couldve produced points, this defense wouldve
been even more special.
Linebackers/ Safeties: B+
Being forced to work with a short field isnt good for any
secondary, and this defense has done all it could this season
to keep this team in the game. But, it wasnt happening
Saturday against a great Michigan State team. This offense
doesnt 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 theyre going to miss them dearly next season.
Special Teams: D

If it werent for Sam Ficken hitting his 23rd field goal this
year to set a Penn State single season record, this
underachieving group wouldve 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 havent
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
wasnt really into the game. The offense wasnt 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 isnt 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 its clearly not
working. They did a better job of putting the ball in his
hands this game, and even though they didnt 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.