Penn State vs Rutgers Position Grades

Nov 19, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Mark Allen (8) rushes against Rutgers Scarlet Knights during second half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Mark Allen (8) rushes against Rutgers Scarlet Knights during second half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Kevin Givens (30) reacts with teammates linebacker Brandon Bell (11) and defensive tackle Robert Windsor (54) following his sack of Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (not pictured) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Iowa 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Kevin Givens (30) reacts with teammates linebacker Brandon Bell (11) and defensive tackle Robert Windsor (54) following his sack of Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (not pictured) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Iowa 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers

Rutgers was no match for Linebacker U in this game.  The linebackers were all over the field, bottling up any player that came in their direction.

Brandon Bell had a solid night with five tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble.  Brandon Smith and Cam Brown had three tackles each and combined for a sack.  Jason Cabinda also chipped in 3 tackles.

On the night overall for the defense, 26 Nittany Lions were credited with at least one tackle.  A workman’s effort from the entire team.

Now healthy, it’s great to have a full compliment of linebackers. Penn State is fortunate to have a talented group of linebackers who can set the tone for the defense. Their great effort against the Scarlet Knights played a big role in the success of the defense.

Grade: A