Penn State vs. San Diego State Grades

Sep 26, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks:

In the game predictions, several members of the staff predicted this would be Christian Hackenberg’s best game and he would throw for over 200 yards.  He delivered in a big way, going 21 for 25 with 296 yards and three touchdowns.

Hackenberg looked very comfortable in the pocket for a good part of the game.  He had time to go through his progressions and make good throws.  Hack even was allowed to air it out a little more than the previous three games, which was a pleasant surprise.

Even though he had a solid game, Hackenberg was far from perfect.  He failed to connect on some throws downfield and he overthrew two receivers on slant routes in the endzone during one drive.

Hopefully this will be a momentum springboard for Hackenberg.  If the running back tandem of Lynch and Barkley are forced to miss extended time with injuries, the burden of the offense will fall on Hackenberg’s shoulders.

Grade:  B+

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