Penn State vs. Indiana Position Grades

Oct 10, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Anthony Zettel (98) reacts during the third quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Indiana 29-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line:

The game against Indiana was another outstanding and dominating performance by the defensive line.  They held Indiana to 79 yards rushing and was in the Hoosier backfield many times on Saturday.

Carl Nassib continues to amaze.  He picked up his ninth and 10th sacks of the season and forced two fumbles.  He now leads the nation in sacks.  Austin Johnson led the team with nine tackles, including one sack and defensive end Garrett Sickels had five tackles and a sack.  Although he did not record a tackle, Anthony Zettel had two pass breakups, including one on an Indiana fourth down inside the Nittany Lion 40 yard line.

The only time Indiana had much success was when the second string front four was in the game.  It seems the coaching staff will continue rotating defensive linemen to keep the starting four fresh.  I’m really looking forward to seeing how the front four performs next week against the Buckeyes.

Grade: A

Next: Linebackers