Penn State Football: Game Grades for the Game Against Akron

Sep 6, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback

(9) rings the victory bell following the completion of the game against the Akron Zips at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Akron 21-3. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

Secondary –

Very similarly to the linebackers, the secondary was solid, but lacked the ability to wow with a big play Against the Zips. The secondary was led by an outstanding performance by Jordan Lucas (7 tackles, 1 sack). All game long, Lucas was able to contain receivers and keep the play in front of him. Lucas also showed very good tackling ability and technique from the corner position.

As a whole, the secondary only totaled three pass break-ups on 46 Kyle Pohl attempts and failed to record an interception. While Pohl’s stat-line (24-46) makes it look like Penn State’s defensive backfield was in control, many of those incompletions were attributed to the defensive line’s pressure and a few drops by Akron receivers.

On the positive side, when Akron’s receivers were able to secure the catch, the secondary was there to keep the play in front of them and make the tackle.

Grade – B