Penn State vs. Purdue Position Grades

Oct 29, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) escapes a tackle in the first half at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) escapes a tackle in the first half at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State rolled over Purdue 62-24 on Saturday in West Lafayette.

The Nittany Lions had to overcome a sluggish start, which many predicted, but in the second half they dominated and posted over 60 points for the first time since 2008.

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In the first half, the defense was the biggest reason why Penn State went to the break tied at 17 with Purdue.  The Lions were uncharacteristically undisciplined in the first half and they finished the game with 11 penalties for 91 yards.  Hopefully this was an anomaly, but something James Franklin must address this week.

Another problem, especially in the first half, were missed tackles and missed assignments.  However Penn State was a different team in the second half and ran away with the victory.

Purdue just does not have the talent to take on a team like Penn State right now and the Lions were able to overcome their own flaws.  Against a better team, those first half mistakes could be a killer.

The Lions have completed a perfect October with 4 wins and are now bowl eligible.  What a difference a month makes.

Let’s put the final word on the Purdue game and hand out some grades.