Penn State vs UMass: Game Grades

Sep 20, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; A view of the new scoreboard inside Beaver Stadium prior to the game between the Massachusetts Minutemen and the Penn State Nittany Lions. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

For the first time this season, the offensive line looked cohesive as a unit.

The group did a solid job of protecting the quarterbacks, allowing just two sacks. They were especially impressive opening up holes for the run game. The offensive line was just bigger and stronger up front than the Minutemen and that was readily known early on in the contest.

After enduring plenty of struggles, it was nice to the see the unit start to get into a groove. The confidence level of the line definitely had to grow as the game went on, and hopefully it will continue moving forward.

The Nittany Lions had to hold their breaths when Donovan Smith went down with an injury, but he was able to shake it off and return to the game allowing coaches, players and fans to exhale.

Grade: A-