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) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions jumps in backwards to score a two yard touchdown against Washington Huskies during the first half of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

For one of the few times this season, the Nittany Lions looked dominant in every part of the offensive attack. It started up front. Penn State football’s starting offensive line finally meshed up front and the run game and passing attack found harmony together.

Connor McGovern, Brendan Mahon, Chasz Wright, Steven Gonzalez and Will Fries, amongst other names overwhelmed the opposing Pac-12 offensive front. The best part is four of those five are underclassmen and will be back. They gelled more as the season progressed, and the Fiesta Bowl was the culmination of a prove-it campaign.

The offense laid down the smack with 545 yards. Saquon Barkley and the running game had holes to run through and Trace McSorley had ample time to throw. That’s a statement Penn State football fans didn’t hear against OSU or Michigan State. The bigger, stronger programs bullied this front. Not in this game. The O-Line had its way.

Grade: A-

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