Penn State Football: Position Grades versus Appalachian State

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 01: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks to pass to Mac Hippenhammer #12 against MyQuon Stout #92 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers and Trey Cobb #45 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers on September 1, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Quarterbacks

While Trace McSorley may have looked good on the stat sheet in week one, this was certainly nowhere near the best game we’ve seen him play.

McSorley went 21 of 36 for 230 passing yards and touchdown. He also ran for 53 yards on 12 carries, scoring two rushing touchdowns. Trace McSorley did score three times, but he also missed a few throws to open receivers throughout the game.

Most importantly though, Trace McSorley played great when it mattered. His offensive line wasn’t protecting him well all game, and Trace led another game-tying drive in the fourth quarter, which we’ve seen a million times at this point. His throw to K.J Hamler to tie the game at 38 was probably his best throw all game.

Clutch throw, clutch catch.@McSorley_IX connects with @Kj_hamler to tie it up. pic.twitter.com/5EPku3tDmu
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 1, 2018

While some things need to be cleaned up, Trace did lead Penn State to a win week one after it looked improbable with less than two minutes left in the game.

Grade: B

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