Penn State vs. Northwestern Game Grades

Sep 27, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Bill Belton (1) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. The Northwestern Wildcats won 29-6. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs

Just as we thought maybe, just maybe, the Nittany Lions had developed a run game, nope. Not even close. Granted when you completely give up on the run game, it’s hard for the running backs to stay confident.

Regardless, it wasn’t a pretty performance from the “stable” of backs.

Bill Belton continues to see the bulk of the work because of his ability in the pass game. Zach Zwinak continues to see a decline in snaps and Akeel Lynch wasn’t seen very often. After the UMass game, I thought Lynch would see more time, but when you get down early and commit to the pass, Belton is the trusted back.

Belton had gains of 13 and 9 to make up 22 of his 25 total yards on the ground. Catching five passes for just 15 yards, the senior back was used as a check down, but never had much room to work with. Cole Chiappialle had a 10-yard gain in a garbage time carry.

Grade: D