Penn State vs. Wisconsin Position Grades

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Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Bradrick Shaw (7) is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Grant Haley (15) in the second half during the Big Ten Championship college football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Secondary

For the most part, the secondary played pretty well. They missed a few tackles on Clement in the first half and allowed 174 yards through the air, but gave up no passing touchdowns.

Marcus Allen led this unit with 11 tackles and Malik Golden chipped in six tackles and a half tackle for loss. Grant Haley had five tackles, but the biggest of them all came on Wisconsin’s last drive.

Down seven points and facing a 4th-and-1 from the Lions 24 yard line, Clement took the ball from Houston and tried to run for the yardage. There to meet him was Haley and with a little assist from Allen, brought Clement down for no gain and sealing the championship for the Lions. Haley and Allen were involved in two of the biggest plays of the season for Penn State, the other being the blocked field goal scoop and score against Ohio State.

Grade: B

Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions fans during the Big Ten Championship college football game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

Special Teams

Nothing really stood out for this unit on the night, but they did what they had to do and there were no mistakes.

Tyler Davis made all his extra points and nailed his 24-yard field goal. Joey Julius booted seven kickoffs and four of them went for touchbacks. Blake Gillikin only punted twice, but averaged 49 yards a punt, including a 53 harder.

Nothing notable for the return teams or return coverage. They just did their jobs and didn’t have any blunders.

Grade: B

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