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Penn State vs. Ohio State Position Grades

By Shane Lunnen

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
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 running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs

Like McSorley, Saquon Barkley didn’t have the best night on the stat sheet.  However, he did enough in the running game to keep the offense moving when they needed it.

A far cry from his 194-yard showing against Ohio State last season, Barkley finished the night with 12 carries and 99 yards for an average of 8.2 yards per carry, but he didn’t end up in the end zone.

His 37-yard scamper on the Lions fourth-quarter drive was his longest of the night and was a big part of that scoring drive.

Offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead continues to use Barkley out on wheel routes and one such play nearly ended with six for Barkley if not for the timely pass breakup from an Ohio State defender.

Grade: B

Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) reacts following his touchdown catch against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) reacts following his touchdown catch against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receivers / Tight Ends

Like the other offensive positions, the receivers did just enough and came up with the plays when needed.  Starting to sense a theme here.

Godwin’s touchdown stands out when the Lions needed a score before the halftime break.  His only other catch came on that same drive on a third and eight to keep the drive going.

DaeSean Hamilton’s only catch of the evening came on that same drive — a beautiful 3- yard catch.  Saeed Blacknall made his only catch on the drive where the Lions made it 21-14, a 35 yarder down to the two yard line.

The leading receiver of the night was tight end Mike Gesicki.  He had four catches for 46 yards and nearly had a touchdown if not for a poor throw by McSorley.  Both Gesicki and DeAndre Thompkins got hurt in the first half.  Gesicki returned with a heavily taped ankle, but Thompkins did not return.

Grade: B

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