Penn State vs. Pitt Position Grades

Sep 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) dives over the line of scrimmage into the end-zone for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Panthers offense lines up against the Penn State Nittany Lions defense during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 42-39. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

Saturday was a rough afternoon for the front four. The Panthers had over 200 yards of rushing in the first half and ended the day with 341 yards on the ground. Ouch!

Evan Schwan left early and then later in the first half, Kevin Givens left on what looked to be a concussion.

We knew coming into this season it was going to be awfully tough to replace the departures of Anthony Zettel, Austin Johnson and Carl Nassib. So far through two games, that statement still rings true.

The Nittany Lions had trouble getting much penetration through a really solid Pitt offensive line. James Connor and company got to the edge a ton and racked up the yards.

Also, after a week of recording 7 sacks, Pitt QB Nathan Peterman’s jersey was left clean as no Nittany Lion recorded a single sack.

One bright spot was Torrence Brown filling in for the injuries. He had six tackles, two for loss and forced a fumble.

Grade: D

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