Penn State vs. Illinois Position Grades

Oct 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Malik Turner (11) runs with the ball after a catch as Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Trevor Williams (10) defends during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Secondary:

It was a quiet day for Penn State’s secondary, as the Illini really couldn’t get anything going at all on offense. Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt, who can usually sling it downfield, didn’t have much time thanks to the pressure from Penn State’s defensive line.

The Illini were held to just 130 yards through the air, and while the secondary didn’t force any interceptions, there wasn’t much room for the Illini wide receivers to to work.

Senior safety Jordan Lucas led the unit with four total tackles. Fellow safety Marcus Allen recorded three total tackles and also had a pass breakup.

Penn State has been good against the pass this year, and it was more of the same on Saturday against the Illini. Overall, the secondary did a good job in shutting down the Illinois passing attack. There were not asked to do much and there were no huge plays, but it was a very solid effort by the unit.

Grade: A-

Next: Special Teams