Penn State vs. Illinois Position Grades

Oct 3, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Army Black Knights running back John Trainor (6) runs with the ball in front of Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Jason Cabinda (40) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers:

The Penn State linebackers, like the defense as a whole, played a great game against Illinois. Jason Cabinda led the team with seven total tackles. He and his mates were making plays all over the field on Saturday.

Redshirt freshman Troy Reeder continued his breakout season. Though he made just three tackles, he recorded the first interception of his career and returned it 44 yards to set up a Penn State touchdown in the first quarter.

Brandon Bell was quiet in the contest, picking up just two total tackles.

After getting run over the past two weeks, the Nittany Lions did a fantastic job in stopping the rushing attack, allowing just 37 yards on the ground. The defensive line played a big role in that, but credit the linebackers with coming up and making big stops when needed.

The defense played about as well as possible, meaning that every grade will be good on that side of the ball.

Grade: A

Next: Secondary