Penn State vs Ohio State Game Grades

Oct 25, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions fans wear white t-shirts for a white out during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs

Due to Zach Zwinak’s injury on the first play of the game, we got a full dose of Akeel Lynch and Bill Belton. Belton will continue to get more playing time due to his pass-blocking/catching ability, but Lynch sure looked like the more effective runner against Ohio State. Even still, Lynch wasn’t all that effective. Belton finished with nine carries for 8 yards and a touchdown, while Lynch pitched in 38 yards on 13 carries. The run game continues to hinder this team, forcing Hackenberg to drop back to pass time after time. Zwinak will surely be missed in the short-yardage situations. As seen by the play-calling Saturday, James Franklin already trusts Hackenberg more in short-yard situations than risking a hand-off to Lynch or Belton.

Grade: D