Penn State Football: Position Grades versus Pittsburgh

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on from the sideline against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Beaver Stadium on September 9, 2017 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Coaching

Penn State football’s coaching staff did a nice job of putting the offense into turnover-less situations, while also attacking some downfield. The only problem, the execution wasn’t there.

When Joe Moorehead realized that McSorley was needing to settle down, he should’ve focused on the run game. The play calling instead focused on attacking downfield in the passing game when it wasn’t necessary.

Barkley needs to get his touches early and often and that didn’t happen in this case. On defense, Brent Pry drew up well-time blitzes and kept the pressure on. He’s coached up this defense well so far but the jury’s out until at least week four against Iowa.

For James Franklin, his comments about beating the rival earn him a standing ovation. He compared the win as no better than Akron. It may just seem like a backhanded comment, but it also placed the expectations even higher this season, as he should.

Grade: B

Must Read: Penn State Football: forget rough offensive outing against Pitt

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