Victory Bell Rings
Fansided

Penn State vs. Minnesota Position Grades

By Shane Lunnen

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
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 defensive tackle Curtis Cothran (52) pressures Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner (7) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Curtis Cothran (52) was ejected from the game for targeting. Penn State defeated Minnesota 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Curtis Cothran (52) pressures Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner (7) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Curtis Cothran (52) was ejected from the game for targeting. Penn State defeated Minnesota 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

Minnesota had two 100-yard rushers in Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks.  The Gophers had 228 yards on the ground and over 400 yards total.  But I think the defensive line performed better than the statistics indicate.

They came up with the pressure and stops when needed, and that’s what counted.  They held strong to only allow a field goal on Minnesota’s last drive in regulation.  In overtime, Evan Schwan got a sack of Gopher quarterback Mitch Leidner.   Kevin Givens and Robert Windsor also combined for a sack earlier in the game.

Unfortunately, another defensive player was ejected for targeting and that was Curtis Cothran.  It was another close call, but the officials aired on the side of caution.  Cothran will miss the first half of next game as well.

This group is young and inexperienced, but I think they will get better as the year progresses.

Grade: C

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