Penn State Football: Position Grades versus Akron

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 02: Alvin Davis #1 of the Akron Zips knocks Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions from his feet during the second half on September 2, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Akron 52-0. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – SEPTEMBER 02: Amani Oruwariye #21 of the Penn State Nittany Lions makes a diving interception during the first quarter thrown by Thomas Woodson #4 of the Akron Zips on September 2, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Secondary

Arguably the best unit for Penn State football came on the back end of its defense. In the pass happy world of college football, there are few instances where a defense holds a team under 100 yards passing. The Nittany Lions did that and it didn’t just come from pressure up front.

Amani Oruwariye earned the unofficial defensive MVP title. He made the diving interception early on and deflected a key long to keep the offense dormant. Marcus Allen recorded three tackles and Christian Campbell recorded two tackles as well.

John Reid’s injury worried fans, but those concerns all but disappeared in week one. Now, the defenses’ strong week one performance is something to build off of. It’s not a guarantee of success for the season, but it’s a great start.

It’s an a-plus effort all around for this defense, but it starts with a great effort against the pass.

Grade: A+

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