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; General view as the Pittsburgh Panthers host the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Special Teams

Let’s get the big no-no out of the way first. After cutting Pitt’s lead to 35-31 in the 4th quarter, Joey Julius had a short kickoff returned 84 yards by Pitt’s Quadree Henderson and Pitt went ahead 42-31 shortly after. That absolutely cannot happen when the Nittany Lions were inching closer and had momentum.

Despite that, there were many positives from this group. With all the momentum on Pitt’s side early, John Reid had a 59 yard punt return that set up the Nittany Lions first touchdown.

I never thought I would be so excited for a punter, but Blake Gillikin was solid. He averaged 46.6 yards on five punts and three were inside the 20, including his first that stopped inside the one. He can really flip the field.

Also, Tyler Davis remained perfect on his career field goals and Julius was solid on kickoffs, outside the short one already mentioned.

This unit has definitely improved over the last two seasons, just have to shore up the return coverage.

Grade: B-

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