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; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) passes against pressure from Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Brandon Bell (11) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers

Like the defensive line, the linebackers also struggled for most of the game. It certainly didn’t help that Jason Cabinda didn’t play at all. He had his arm in a sling on the sideline, so we’ll have to keep an eye on how long he could be out.

Manny Bowen and Jake Cooper rotated in with Brandon Bell and Nyeem Wartman-White. This group was collectively slow to close gaps and get to the edges when Pitt ran end arounds and misdirection plays. Wartman-White did lead this group with 9 tackles, 3 for loss.

The depth here is thin outside of the starting three and now that will be tested with Cabinda out for an undetermined amount of time. Just not typical of Linebacker U.

Grade: D

Next: Secondary

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