Penn State vs. Michigan Position Grades

Nov 21, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) is sacked by Michigan Wolverines linebacker James Ross (15) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line:

It seems like the only pictures that are used to depict the offensive line are ones where Hackenberg is getting sacked.  Those pictures tell the tale of the maligned quarterback’s last two seasons.

Hackenberg was harassed all day and sacked four times.  Besides Barkley’s first run, there was absolutely no running room.  There were multiple times when once the ball was snapped and handed to Barkley, there was a wall of Wolverines waiting to smother him.

None of this really should not come as a surprise, as the Michigan defensive line is really good and most of us predicted the offensive line would struggle.  Earlier in the season I was critical of offensive line coach Herb Hand.  However thinking about it now, he has very little to work with.  There are two converted defensive lineman and since 2011, there have only been four offensive lineman that have remained in the program.  There’s very little depth here and it’s a crucial position for a team to succeed.

Look at how much time Michigan’s Jake Rudock had in the pocket.  That’s a result of a veteran line and Penn State won’t have that luxury for a couple more seasons.

Grade: D

Next: Defensive Line