Penn State vs Michigan Game Grades

Oct 11, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lionsat Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line

The Penn State defense wasn’t the issue on Saturday night. The defensive line was stellar, led by Deion Barnes (7 tackles, 1 sack) and Anthony Zettel, (2 tackles 1 INT) and finished with three sacks while holding the rushing attack to 2.1 yards per carry. However, on many third-and-long situations, it seemed like Devin Gardner had forever to throw and it usually ended in a conversion. Reserves Parker Cothren (2 tackles, 1 TFL) and Tarow Barney (1 sack) contributed for the deep D-line, but the pressure wasn’t consistent enough to help the Nittany Lions avoid a heartbreaking loss.

Grade – B