Penn State vs Maryland Game Grades

Nov 1, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Akeel Lynch (22) runs with the ball as Maryland Terrapins defensive back Jeremiah Johnson (14) defends during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs

Akeel Lynch got the start and the bulk of the carries for the Nittany Lions, but due to an ineffective line, didn’t have a whole lot of room to run. Give Lynch credit for consistently getting up field, as there aren’t many runs where he’s held behind the line of scrimmage, but with the struggles of the makeshift offensive line persisting, there wasn’t much room for him to work with. He finished as the game leader with 51 yards, but averaged just 2.4 yards per carry.

Bill Belton, renounced to a lesser role, finished with just 14 yards on eight carries. Not pretty. Not all the backs fault, but still not a standout effort.

Grade: C-