Penn State vs Rutgers Game Grades

Sep 13, 2014; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) throws a pass during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Points Solutions Stadium. Penn State Nittany Lions defeat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim O’Connor- USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

Behind another unsatisfactory performance from the offensive line, Christian Hackenberg was pressured throughout the contest, but was able to stay calm and composed and deliver when it counted. Hack was sacked five times and threw an interception off the hand of tight end Jesse James, but came through with a six-play 80 yard drive to win the game for the Nittany Lions.

Throwing for 309 yards made the sophomore quarterback the Penn State all-time leader in 300-yard games and put him over 1,000 yards through just three games this season. Hackenberg did his best to elude the Rutgers defense all night, showing a solid scrambling ability, but the defense forced him into some quick and questionable throws early on.

After a troubling first half, Hackenberg was able to find some success in the second half, saving the Nittany Lions from falling to 2-1. The game may have been an up-and-down one for Hack, but he gets some bonus points for orchestrating another fourth quarter comeback.

Grade: B-