Penn State Football: 2017 position grades vs Rutgers
Defensive Line
Early on, this unit got worked up front. Rutgers got some nice footing and only abandoned the run game once Penn State’s track speed offense took off. It wasn’t a great look but then this front decided to make a statement and shutdown the run game.
After giving up some big runs, Penn State football’s D-Line allowed zero big plays on the ground in the second half. Stopping the passing game, Rescigno didn’t get much time and was flushed from the pocket.
Shane Simmons played his best game of the season recording three tackles, one for loss. Freshman defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos also recorded three tackles.
There wasn’t a whole lot numbers to back up the defensive line’s effort beyond that, but the linebackers proved that this unit swarmed to the football. Two LBs recorded double-digit tackles and stayed in the backfield once the push became more violent.