Penn State vs. Northwestern Position Grades

Nov 7, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Solomon Vault (4) runs a kickoff return for a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams:

The above picture was the huge special teams gaffe that was a killer.  The 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown occurred right after Penn State had cut the Northwestern lead to 13-7  in the second quarter, killing all momentum.  In close games, this just cannot happen.

I’m also not sure what was going on with all the squib kickoffs.

Koa Farmer had a nice 37-yard return.  The punts didn’t really hurt Penn State, but they didn’t help much either.  Daniel Pasquerillo handled most of them for an average of 41.6 yards on 9 punts.

The low grade is mainly due to that kickoff return.  Just inexcusable in my opinion.

Grade: D-

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