Penn State Football: Position Grades versus Indiana Hoosiers

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: DaeSean Hamilton #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions crosses the goal line on a touchdown pass thrown by Saquon Barkley #26 (not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers on September 30, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Indiana 45-14. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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Penn State football went through an offensive valley midway through the game. But, an explosive start and finish has the 5-0 Nittany Lions flying high.

This Penn State football team isn’t a finished product yet, but it’s getting closer to becoming contender. The offense still failed to play consistent and the defense had to do some heavy lifting. But even with all that, this 45-14 win featured a lot more good than bad.

Trace McSorley gave the Penn State faithful hope for a better passing game. Saquon Barkley did Saquon Barkley things for the special teams and caused a lot of defensive focus to be shifted his way. Although he didn’t get the running game going, he allowed other players to step up with the added defensive attention.

DaeSean Hamilton took advantage of Barkley’s added attention raking in a record-breaking performance. He caught nine passes for 122 yards and three touchdowns. With that game, he made himself Penn State’s all-time leader in career receptions with 181.

On the other side, the defense keeps itself in great company with another masterful performance. All three levels played well with the linebackers attacking willingly upfield. The secondary created turnovers and earned its fifth straight top-tier grade.

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