Penn State vs. Ohio State: Position Grades

Penn State vs. Ohio State Position Grades

Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions special teams players celebrate a blocked punt against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ohio State 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) runs with the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterbacks

Far from having his best game, Trace McSorley made the plays when they were needed the most.

McSorley was 8-for-23 on the evening, throwing for 154 yards and a touchdown. He added another touchdown on the ground in the fourth quarter that brought the Lions within seven points. He finished with 63 yards on 19 carries.

It was not the stats that made McSorley impressive on Saturday night. It was his will to win. The kid just does not give up. With Penn State staring down a 12-0 deficit at halftime, he led the team down the field that ended with his 20-yard touchdown pass to Chris Godwin just before the break. With the team down 21-7 in the fourth quarter, he led consecutive drives that ended in 10 points and had the Lions within striking distance.

His arm isn’t the strongest and he is far from the biggest guy on the field. But McSorley is a winner, and that’s what matters most.

Grade: B

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