Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Position Grades

Penn State vs. Minnesota Position Grades

Oct 1, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tackle Andrew Nelson (59) rings the victory bell following the conclusion of the overtime game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Minnesota 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

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Oct 1, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports /

Trace McSorley struggled in the first half along with the rest of the offense, but his second half will be the one to remember.

McSorley went 19-for-41, which is slightly under a 50 percent completion percentage, but he made the best of those completions. He racked up 335 yards through the air, including the 80-yard touchdown to Irving Charles.

McSorley was also a threat on the ground. He had eight carries for 73 yards and a touchdown. It was his run for 26 yards on the Lions last drive of regulation that set up the tying field goal. He also wasn’t sacked once, and while some of that is on the offensive line, McSorley escaped trouble several times and either made a play or avoided a negative yardage play.

When the chips were down, McSorley put the team on his back and produced the drive to send it into overtime. He may not be the biggest guy or have the strongest arm, but he just has “it” and right now, that’s great for the Penn State offense.

Grade: B+

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