Penn State Football: 2017 position grades vs Ohio State
Linebackers
Similar to the D-Line’s success early, the linebackers played well early and faded late. Manny Bowen, Koa Farmer and Jason Cabinda produced well with nine, seven and seven tackles each. Farmer displayed why he earned a starting job. He recovered a fumble and recorded two tackles for loss.
Since he’s taken over the job, Farmer brought more speed and big play ability. He can fly into the backfield and make plays. Saturday that didn’t happen in the second half. The linebacker’s numbers told a different story, but the offense did what it wanted most of the afternoon. Ohio State kept all white jerseys off the ball for a long time, and it showed with 529 yards of offense by the Buckeyes.
This trio can fix its struggles. They’re a veteran group that creates plays at a high level. It needs to happen quick though. Michigan State’s always a tough out, and the Spartans are going to give this group all they can handle.