Penn State Football: 2017 Fiesta Bowl Position Grades

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with fans after defeating the Washington Huskies in the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2 of 9

GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Trace McSorley #9 of Penn State Nittany Lions runs with the ball against the Washington Huskies during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. Penn State won 35-28. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Quarterbacks

So close to an A+ but the red zone interception likely did that in. Outside of that, Trace McSorley put on a passing skeleton clinic, hitting 32-of-41 passes for 342 yards, two touchdowns against two interceptions. The scrambling righty from Virginia danced around Washington defenders and tossed dimes all day (Video Courtesy of Cut Up Corner).

He didn’t just use his legs either, he sat in the pocket and found open wide outs many times. He lasered completions into receivers many times, but he knew when to take what the defense gave him. The interceptions can’t be entirely ignored, but they weren’t game-defining in the end. The one he threw for a touchback wasn’t in the red zone, but it did kill a promising drive. He’s got to learn to be a little more conservative with the football.

However, his accuracy and dual threat running give the Nittany Lions an added element. He rushed 12 times for 60 yards and that gave the Huskies a headache.

Grade: A

Home/Penn State Football