Penn State vs. San Diego State Grades

Sep 26, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) signals during the third quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated San Diego State 37-21. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line:

After two-straight games without allowing a sack, the offensive line gave up two on Saturday against the Aztecs.  It appeared on both sacks, however, that it was more of a result of good coverage down the field on San Diego State’s part.

Maybe I had been giving too much credit to the offensive line in recent weeks.  Without Saquon Barkley, who can turn a loss into a big gain, the rushing attack became virtually non-existent. The line seemed to have trouble with the Aztecs’ 3-3-5 exotic blitzing scheme, at least when it came to run blocking.  The pass blocking seemed to hold up a little better, with Hackenberg having time to throw most of the game.

The offensive line shouldn’t have problems handling the Lions’ next two opponents, Army and Indiana.  They still look way better than they did against Temple, but they must improve before their trip to Ohio State in three weeks.

Grade: B-

Next: Defensive Line