Penn State vs. Buffalo Game Grades

Sep 12, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions fans cheer during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bulls at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers:

Along with Nyeem Wartman-White being sidelined for the year, Brandon Bell and Ben Kline also sat out this game.  So defensive coordinator Bob Shoop was forced to start young guys, and they delivered.  Troy Reeder led the pack with seven tackles and true freshman Jake Cooper contributed three tackles, including a sack.  Jason Cabinda, who started last week, chipped in six tackles and a pass breakup.

Cabinda and Reeder were laying big hits and they played well overall, but there were times that they were caught a little out of position.  That’s going to happen with the youth and I think they’ll learn as the season progresses.

Having to go deep into the depth chart this early in the season is not a good sign.  But it didn’t look like the linebackers missed a beat and getting the younger guys experience now could pay off dividends in the future.

Grade: B+

Next: Secondary