Penn State vs. Temple Game Grades

Defensive Line:

Sep 5, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Carl Nassib (95) sacks Temple Owls quarterback P.J. Walker (11) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

Let’s go positive to start.  Defensive end Carl Nassib had a career day, recording 10 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack.  He was doing his part.  Defensive tackles Anthony Zettel and Austin Johnson were relatively quiet but had a few nice tackles in Temple’s backfield.  To his credit, Zettel was getting double teamed for most of the afternoon.

However, the line started to break down when they were on the field for way too long.  They allowed 145 yards rushing and three rushing touchdowns. Those are not good numbers for a defense that was one of the best in the nation last year, particularly against he run.

I’m going to chalk this one up to fatigue, as we know this line can do better.

Grade: C

Next: Linebackers