Penn State Football: 2017 position grades vs Nebraska

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions makes a leaping touchdown reception above the hands of Chris Weber #49 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – NOVEMBER 18: Devine Ozigbo #22 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers scores a touchdown to give Nebraska the lead 10-7 against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

A great game fitting their gaps and shutting down an already poor running game of the Huskers. The rushing attack did reach pay dirt three times, but it averaged just 2.6 yards per carry, so the defense was there.

Seniors Brandon Smith and Jason Cabinda led the team in tackles with 13 and 7 respectively. The two seniors are in the top four for tackles this year with Cabinda leading (82). Penn State football’s linebacking corp played the run game well and kept it contained. The passing game also struggled to get the ball past Cabinda. He recorded two pass deflections to go along with his seven stops.

The Nittany Lions didn’t have much production beyond those two. Koa Farmer and Cam Brown added a tackle each, but that’s OK. Both players have cleaned up well most of the season combining for 68 total tackles.

Grade: B

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