Penn State Football: Quarterback report post Maryland 2017

Penn State football’s regular season came to close Saturday against Maryland, and both QBs came up with top-tier performances.

Fear not Penn State football faithful, Joe Moorhead’s departure before the bowl game won’t derail the Nittany Lions’ high-scoring machine. Fans know what this offense can do. The final look at the offense Saturday created bright thoughts toward the future. Penn State racked up big plays with Trace McSorley and Tommy Stevens.

McSorley’s Day

So to sum up VBR’s final QB report before the bowl game let’s break down their individual performances. McSorley shredded a hapless Maryland defense from the start. The junior QB didn’t even get to the fourth quarter, because his accuracy delivered catchable balls all night. He led receivers away defenders for the most part and put deep balls away from defenders every time.

McSorley finished  with 237 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions while completing 66.7 percent of his passes for the second straight week. He also added 36 yards and a touchdown, his eleventh of the season.

It’s so easy to see his develop this year. After a slow start to the season, he found his rhythm and chemistry. In fact, the receiving production has proven that he can distribute, and that he doesn’t need just one or two guys. Last year, just two players had 40-plus catches. This year, four different players have 40-plus catches and there are more overall threats he’s placed on the field because of that. (Video Courtesy of Nittany Nation).

FINAL SEASON STATS: 252-of-386 for 3,228 yards, 26 touchdowns, eight interceptions; 431 rushing yards,  11 touchdowns

Stevens’ Day

Penn State football’s weapon-X has put together a great season across the offense, and he proved why he’s the best backup in college football again. Although Joe Moorhead is gone, Stevens will still see time over the years.

Against Maryland, he showed the triple threat package again rushing for a team-high 113 yards and three touchdowns. As a passer, he threw a laser touchdown pass to Tom Pancoast and caught a pass as well.

Penn State’s been smart getting him as much playing time as possible. In the last two years, he’s been responsible for 643 yards and 11 touchdowns on 87 offensive plays an average of 7.4 yards per play. He’s going to make one heck of a quarterback when McSorley is gone, and if he decides to stay.

FINAL SEASON STATS: 14-of-27 for 158 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions; 190 rushing yards, four touchdowns; nine receptions, 61 yards, two touchdowns (Video Courtesy of Nittany Nation).

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