Penn State vs. Buffalo Game Grades

Sep 12, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks the perimeter of the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bulls at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

Coaching:

The coaches did appear to make adjustments this week after the loss.  They mixed up the offensive line and committed to the run game.  No sacks allowed was a big positive and mental boost for an offensive line looking for answers.  They also took a few more deep shots and lined up Christian Hackenberg under center instead of in shotgun or pistol the entire game.

I still think John Donovan should be on the hot seat.  There is no creativity in the playbook and it’s very predictable. Many drives were just runs up the middle ending in punts.  Last week against Temple, the offense started fast before disappearing.  This week, the offense mostly didn’t show up until the second half when they had three consecutive drives ending in 17 points.

Bob Shoop and his defensive staff have earned their keep.  I’m also impressed with what special teams coach Charles Huff is doing with his playmakers.

So far, it’s been an incomplete picture of what exactly James Franklin wants this offense to be.  We see flashes of brilliance followed by stretches of futility.   Hopefully next week against Rutgers they can put it altogether.

Grade: B-