Penn State vs. Buffalo Game Grades

Sep 12, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) signals during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bulls at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

It was a different look offensive line this week, and that might have helped things.  To start the game, Andrew Nelson moved to left tackle, Brian Gaia moved to left guard, Derek Dowrey started at right guard, and Brendan Mahon moved to right tackle.  However, late in the first half, a leg injury to Nelson forced him from the game and Paris Palmer took over.

The line actually looked like an offensive line this week.  No sacks were allowed and they finally started to get some push in the second half to allow the run game to get going.  This will hopefully be a little confidence boost for the unit.

I would like to see more from Palmer, especially if he’s going to be starting for an injured Nelson now.  He seems timid thus far, but it was a better performance for him this week.

This doesn’t have to be an outstanding line.  It only has to be serviceable to the point to give Hackenberg enough time to throw and running backs time to find the open lanes.  It mostly got the job done against Buffalo in a much-needed bounce-back performance.

Grade: B-

Next: Defensive Line