Victory Bell Rings
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Penn State vs. Kent State Position Grades

By Barry Leonard Jr.

Sep 3, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin congratulates defensive end Shareef Miller (48) following a sack against Kent State Golden Flashes quarterback Justin Agner (not pictured) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Kent State 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Sep 3, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin congratulates defensive end Shareef Miller (48) following a sack against Kent State Golden Flashes quarterback Justin Agner (not pictured) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Kent State 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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Oct 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions place kicker Tyler Davis (95) kicks a field goal against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions place kicker Tyler Davis (95) kicks a field goal against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Special Teams

It was such a welcome site to see Penn State have an excellent day on special teams. After really struggling the last few years, head coach James Franklin finally seems to have found the right combination of players to make the unit successful.

The most obvious observation was the fact that freshman punter Blake Gillikin is going to be a key player. He averaged 47 yards on his six punts and received a standing ovation after booming his first one of the game.

Having a punter who can flip filed position with a great kick is a very valuable asset.

Palce kicker Tyler Davis looked strong converting both of his field goal attempts. Joey “Big Toe” Julius, who has been relegated to kickoff duties, made the most of his role. Aside from booming kicks, he made perhaps the best tackle of the game and ignited the crowd.

The amazing tackle can be seen in the Tweet below by Brent Yarina of the Big Ten Network.

"The tackle of all Week 1 tackles, courtesy of mammoth PSU K Joey Julius. https://t.co/oPlDFvSbai — Brent Yarina (@BTNBrentYarina) September 3, 2016"

The return game still needs some work, as the only good return of the game got called back due to a holding call.

In the end, the Penn State special teams did about as well as the coaching staff could have imagined for the first game of the season.

Grade: A

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