Penn State Football: Quarterback Report Post Nebraska
Trace McSorley put on a passing clinic against the Nebraska Cornhuskers Saturday. The Penn State football QB’s stock is at an all-time high.
Beautiful Ball placement – that’s the best way to describe Trace McSorley’s second straight flawless performance. He carved up the Nebraska Cornhuskers defense to the tune of almost 400 total yards and four touchdowns. Penn State football did a lot of its damage in the first half. Although he put up numbers against another bad team, McSorley delivered again.
He completed 24-of-36 passes for 325 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. It’s the second time in as many weeks he’s thrown for multiple touchdowns and zero interceptions. Furthermore, he put up quality dual threat production on the ground rushing for 46 yards and a touchdown.
On the season, McSorley rushed for 395 yards and 10 touchdowns. He already surpassed last year’s totals with two games left.
Checkout the second-year QB’s highlights against the Huskers (Video Courtesy Nittany Nation).
McSorley didn’t get to unleash the big play throw on Nebraska, but he picked apart the defense with short accurate strikes. His chemistry with Juwan Johnson continues to grow. Johnson’s big, tall frame provides a nice target over the middle. Once McSorley gets the ball into his hands, Johnson’s physicality can create big plays.
The other receivers provided similar help in the short passing game, but the biggest move over recent weeks comes from Mike Gesicki. The athletic tight end has three touchdowns receptions in the last two weeks after having zero in the seven games prior. He has taken on the red zone threat role and that’s big for a team searching for a throw-it-up target.
McSorley still hasn’t gotten a chance to mesh with Saeed Blacknall, but he’s improving steadily. Blacknall could become that big-play wide out the team needs in the final two games of the season. Last year, he broke out around this time, and he could do that again.
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His confidence is at all-time high, and he looks comfortable in the pocket. A lot of that has to do with a much-improved offensive line. He can step up in the pocket and deliver dimes downfield. Heading in Maryland, he’ll have a chance to improv on an already better 2017 season.