Penn State vs Rutgers Game Grades

Sep 13, 2014; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Geno Lewis (7) pulls in third and thirteen pass for first down on Rutgers Scarlet Knights 6 yard line late in 4th quarter at High Points Solutions Stadium. Penn State Nittany Lions defeat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Despite a few drops on quick screens and other short passes, this group looked pretty solid again. Without a lot of time to throw, Hackenberg was forced to try to find receivers early in their routes and the group was forced to adjust in the second half.

DaeSean Hamilton and Geno Lewis continue to impress, with each going over 100 yards, but the drops on screens can’t become a habit. Lewis made two huge catches on the crucial last drive, including a 53-yarder where he almost outran the Rutgers’ secondary for six. Hamilton also showed some explosion, turning a short completion into a 47-yard gain.

Chris Godwin continues to figure into the action for the unit, as well.

As far as tight ends go, there were certainly some struggles. The unit had a few blocking mishaps and Jesse James was non-existent. The trio of James, Kyle Carter and Mike Gesicki combined for 4 catches for 23 yards. I expect the unit to be more successful going forward.

Grade: B+