Penn State Football: 2017 position grades vs Ohio State

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 28: Koa Farmer #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions picks up a fumble in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 28: Koa Farmer #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions picks up a fumble in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 28: Head Coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with DaeSean Hamilton #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions after Hamilton caught a 13-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

Last week was an isolated peak for the offensive line in an otherwise valley floor-type season. Penn State football’s hog mollies found themselves in familiar territory against Ohio State. The O-Lind dominated the Wolverines’ stout defense and looked the part of an elite group.

Nevertheless, the Nittany Lions struggled to keep a talented Ohio State squad away from the backfield. Trace and Company did all they good to bust free, but the offense needs better traction. It can’t rely upon big plays to dig them out every time.

Let’s be realistic if these team wants a shot at a national title, it has to improve up front. Gashing TD runs and field-stretching passes can only keep an offense afloat for so long. That’s what fans witnessed Saturday.

The skill players in this offense can compete for a national championship. It just depends on if the offensive line can keep up. The bottom fell out completely against a great group, but there’s no more room for excuses. The O-Line earned its grade.

Grade: D-