Penn State Football: Position Grades versus Pittsburgh
Linebackers
The linebackers got worked at times in the run game, as Ollison continued to pound the front seven. Still the bend but don’t break mentality worked well. Drives failed to sustain, as the defense allowed 342 yards but just 14 points. Jason Cabinda and Koa Farmer stood out with eight and seven tackles respectively. Farmer also added a sack and joined a nice group effort of containing the Panthers’ offense.
There’s no doubt this group played near the bottom of the defensive unit, but it still had its moments. Anytime a defense allows just 14 points it’s hard to rationalize anything lower than a B-minus in my book.
They played second fiddle to an impressive defensive front and back four, so it’s understandable for fans not to remember their play. But, they deserve their due.