Penn State Football: Game Grades for the Game Against Akron

Sep 6, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions players run onto the field prior to the game against the Akron Zips at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Akron 21-3. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams –

After last week’s impressive performance, Sam Ficken wasn’t given the opportunity to attempt a field goal against Akron.

Ficken connected on his extra point attempts, but was unsteady on kickoffs early in the contest. He had a kick fly out of bounds for a penalty and also had a knuckleball kick that fell short of the 5-yard line.

Chris Gulla looked very solid punting the ball, averaging nearly 50 yards per punt (48.8) and stuck three of those inside the 20. The only knock on Gulla is he doesn’t seem to get much hang time on his kicks.

Penn State only had two opportunities to return kickoffs on Saturday. If not for a misread by Von Walker, he may have taken it all the way for six. Kick coverage was solid for the Nittany Lions.

Grade – B