Penn State Football: Position Grades in 42-13 win over Michigan
Defensive Line
Anytime a defense manages to sack a quarterback seven times, it’s an A-plus day. Yes, the D-Line recorded just four of the seven, but it still created those opportunities. If it wasn’t for a refreshed, versatile front four, there’s no way that pass rush would’ve gotten there.
O’Korn never got comfortable and with good reason. He didn’t know where pressure came from and which one of the multiple pass rushers would get there. This week all the unknowns and Shaka Toney got the last laugh.
Toney led the way getting his first team-leading 3.5 sack of the season, while Curtis Cothran, Parker Cothren and Kevin Givens recorded their first sacks of the season. Ryan Buchholz also helped Manny Bowen record a sack bringing his total to 1.5 for the year.
This D-Line typically got a lot of praise with Shareef Miller’s progression. However, this position group proved once again that it could cause havoc with almost anyone on the D-Line holding Michigan to just 269 total yards of offense.
After Saturday, 17 different players have recorded a sack and 10 D-Lineman have been in on one. This group is multiple and deep.