Penn State vs. Northwestern Position Grades

Nov 7, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Solomon Vault (4) is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) during the first quarter at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line:

Congrats to Carl Nassib, who is now the Penn State all time leader in sacks for a single season.  Quite an awesome accomplishment for the former walk-on.  Nassib finished the day with four tackles, one sack a forced fumble and a pass breakup.  It’s too bad this is his last season at Penn State, but he will be playing on Sundays next year.

Austin Johnson led the team in tackles with 10 and also had a sack and two tackles for loss.  Garrett Sickels chipped in three tackles and a sack.

The negative here was all the rushing yards that were allowed.  Northwestern running back Justin Jackson ran up and down the field to the tune of 186 yards.  Poor tackling and being caught of position was the main culprit.

Grade: C

Next: Linebackers