Penn State vs. Michigan State Position Grades

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) looks to throw the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the first quarter of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks:

Christian Hackenberg had to have a much better day than he did in order to beat the Spartans, but the loss was not on him.  At times he looked really good and finished the day 22 for 39 with 257 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

The first few drives were going well and outside of the long ball interception on the first drive, Hackenberg was in a rhythm.  Unfortunately the offense couldn’t punch it in and only could get three points on the first four drives where they were moving the ball.

Once again Hackenberg lacked consistency to lead the team on touchdown drives.  He would throw the ball with pin point accuracy on one throw and the next throw would be off the mark.  Hack also hasn’t learned a sense of urgency when calling plays, leading to the team having to burn timeouts.  It could be a mix of not getting the play call into the huddle in time and Hack’s lack of urgency.

Hackenberg did get the record for most pass touchdowns in school history at 48.  However, many thought his career would be even more successful.  If that was his last regular season game in a Penn State uniform, that’s a tough pill to swallow.  We will see if he can bounce back in the bowl game.

Trace McSorley came into the game for mop-up duty and went 5 for 8 for 39 yards.

Grade: C+

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