Penn State vs UMass: Game Grades
Sep 20, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back
Bill Belton(1) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports
Running Backs
Finally, the Nittany Lions made an impact in the run game. I don’t care if they played UMass or a JV high school football team, it was great to see Penn State establish the run early and often. Gaining 247 yards on the ground and getting lots of guys active in the run game was a nice surprise and much-needed for the teams confidence.
Bill Belton looked elusive all game long, and made some nice runs out of the Wildcat and found the end zone twice. Akeel Lynch showed great burst, especially on his 46-yard scamper down the right sideline early in the contest. Zwinak wasn’t great, but he found the end zone twice inside the 10 for Penn State.
The Blue-White Game all-star Cole Chiappialle also made his way into the contest and ran for 43 yards.
The group, as a whole, looked quick, elusive and strong. Hopefully, this gives them the confidence to establish a consistent run game against better opponents.
Grade: A