Penn State vs. San Diego State Grades

Sep 26, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Rashaad Penny (20) runs the ball on a return during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated San Diego State 37-21. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams:

This is where Penn State took a big step back.  After performing so well against Rutgers a week earlier, the special teams did not look good Saturday.

The first big mistake was following the first Nittany Lion touchdown.  Aztec return man Rashaad Penny took the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown.  The momentum the Lions just had after scoring was wiped out.

After being named player of the game by James Franklin last week, punter Chris Gulla had a less than stellar performance Saturday.  He punted seven times for a 42 yard average, but had a few short kicks.    DeAndre Thompkins had a muffed punt that gave San Diego State a short field that they turned into a touchdown.

Joey Julius did hit three of his four field goal attempts, but the miss was a blocked 55-yard attempt.  He also had a kickoff out of bounds.

The special teams unit really kept San Diego State in the game and made the final score deceiving.  Without those errors, it could have been a blowout.

Grade: C-

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