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Penn State Football: Stars of the Blue-White Game

By Barry Leonard Jr.

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 17: A Penn State Nittany Lions flag flies before the game against the Temple Owls on September 17, 2016 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 17: A Penn State Nittany Lions flag flies before the game against the Temple Owls on September 17, 2016 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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Which players stood out for Penn State football during the Blue-White Game Saturday?

Penn State finished its spring practice session with the Blue-White Game in front of 70,000 fans at Beaver Stadium. The weather was finally good and the atmosphere was joyous. With James Franklin look-alike, Keegan Michael-Key, acting as a guest coach, there was definitely some fun going on.

However, it wasn’t all just about having fun, as there was business to get to. The coaching staff had to evaluate the players heading into the break before summer practice begins.

As for the game itself, the Blue — made up of all the starters — dominated the day. There were some costly turnovers that kept the score closer than it really was. In the end the Blue defeated the White, 21-10.

When looking at the stats, a few players jump out as stars of the game.

Offense: Quarterback Trace McSorley 

Although he’s not battling for a spot, McSorley saw significant time in the Blue-White Game, playing the majority of the first half.

He picked up right where he left off last season and looked like one of the most dominant players on the field. His numbers won’t really jump off the page, but he had a typical McSorley day.

The accuracy of his passes was spot on, as he completed 10 of his 14 attempts. He finished with 107 passing yards and an early touchdown to freshman wide receiver Mac Hippenhammer. Aside from the passing, McSorley showed his elusiveness and made plays with his legs. His 41 yards on six carries led the team.

McSorley looked like he was in mid-season form and his performance in the Blue-White Game didn’t do anything to show that he won’t be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation this year.

Honorable Mention: WR Mac Hippenhammer, QB Jake Zembiec

Defense: Linebacker Micah Parsons 

One of the highest rated recruits on the defensive side to come to Penn State in some time, Micah Parsons was a huge get for the Nittany Lions. A five-star prospect, Parsons was wanted by all of the top schools in the nation. He took a long road to get to Happy Valley, committing to the Nittany Lions, then changing his mind, then committing again.

Recruited as a defensive end, though he played multiple positions in high school, Parsons was put at middle linebacker for the Nittany Lions. He enrolled in school early, so he’s been able to use the spring practice session to get a jump on his career.

Saturday was his first chance to play inside of Beaver Stadium. A busload of his friends and family made the trip from Harrisburg to cheer him on. Parsons played the entire game and finished with eight tackles and a sack. He was all over the field and showed a glimpse of why he was so sought after coming out of high school.

Honorable Mention: LB Dae’Lun Darien, 

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