Penn State vs. Michigan State Position Grades

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands on the sideline during the first quarter of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Coaching:

Let’s start with the positives.  I think going into the game the coaches actually had a decent game plan.  The quick passing game and the rushing attack was working in the first half.  Until it would hit the redzone, the offense was moving at a steady clip against a stout Michigan State defense.  However, as mistakes added up the team unraveled.

The red zone and third  down efficiency for the offense has been miserable this year.  The red zone defense and time management has been equally as bad.  These are things the coaches desperately need to work on during the bowl practices and the off-season.

This game showed the inexperience and lack of depth for Penn State.  They were going up against a vastly superior team and once they got behind the 8 ball, it started to snowball in the wrong direction.  There wasn’t much the coaches could do here to stop it.

I had to go back and re-write this, as the changes have already started on the staff with the firing of John Donovan.  It’s a change that was unavoidable despite the lack of depth on the offensive line.  Donovan could not take full advantage of the skill players he did have, namely Christian Hackenberg.

I came into this season predicting eight wins, so falling short at seven wins is disappointing.  However I’m not ready to turn completely on James Franklin, as he’s recruiting at a high level.  I want to give him time a little more time with his recruits. We’ll see what this off-season brings and 2016 will be an important one for this staff to prove how far it’s progressing.

Grade: C-