Penn State vs. Michigan State Position Grades

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Gerald Holmes (24) runs the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 1st half game of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line:

Defensive end Garrett Sickels didn’t play due to injury and Carl Nassib only saw one series before he left the game.  The end result was what we saw.  This unit couldn’t get any pressure on Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook and he carved up the Penn State defense.

Evan Schwan led this group with 4 tackles.  The other three starters; Tarow Barney, Austin Johnson and Anthony Zettel, all tallied two tackles each.  Barney also had a fumble recovery late in the game when Penn State’s fate had long been decided.

This was the worst game of the year for this unit that has been good all year.  Without two starters and against an experienced offensive line, the front four didn’t stand much of a chance.

Grade: D

Next: Linebackers