Penn State Football: Lions Position Grades versus Iowa

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IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 23: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes up field during the second quarter past linebackers Josey Jewell #43 and Ben Niemann #44 of the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 23, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

The pocket collapsed on McSorley a lot and Barkley made some plays out of nothing in order to compile almost 600 yards. This offensive line struggled to stop a rugged Iowa defense. The Hawkeyes made their way into the backfield multiple times, but this line prevailed eventually.

It’s tough to be too hard on these guys considering the strength of Iowa. With that said, they’ve got to play better. This defense ranks in the top third of college football, but it’s hardly as impressive as some of the other Big Ten schools.

The question becomes whether they can continue to improve in the face of a bad week. This front five has never quite reached a stable point and that’s ok because McSorley and Barkley can do so much. But can fans imagine what this team could do with a strong offensive line along with these playmakers? It would be special.

Grade: C

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