Penn State vs Rutgers Game Grades

Sep 13, 2014; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) hands the ball off to running back Bill Belton (1) during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O’Connor- USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

It seems that this portion of the grades is going to continue to be the same week after week. In a 12-game season, at some point the offensive line isn’t given a pass for needing time to gel. We’re nearing that point. The unit allowed five sacks, paved the way in the run game to the tune of 1.9 yards per carry and allowed constant pressure on Christian Hackenberg.

It wasn’t pretty. However, when searching for positives, it was nice to note that on the game-winning drive the line gave Hackenberg enough time and opened up a lane for Belton on the game-winning touchdown run. Even that drive couldn’t be perfect, as the Nittany Lions were called for holding to force a 3rd and 12.

At some point, something needs to click for the line and they need to be able to hold up against better defenses than Rutgers’. Until that time, the O-Line will continue to grade poorly.

Grade: D-