Penn State Football: Position grades versus Illinois 2018

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 21: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the ball as Bennett Williams #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reaches for the tackle during the game at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Quarterbacks

Once again, Trace McSorley had an extremely solid performance for Penn State. It was nothing that blew us away, but he did throw for three touchdowns on only 19 passing attempts. McSorley completed 12 of these 19 passes for 160 yards, but he did throw his second interception of the season at the end of the first half.

McSorley also helped out tremendously on the ground, as he rushed for 92 yards on 15 carries. Through four games, it’s been very clear that Trace McSorley and Miles Sanders have been on the same page while running the option, something that’s also a question mark when you have a new starting running back.

Penn State seemed to rely heavily on the running game vs. Illinois, which makes me think they’re conserving much of the playbook for the next eight matchups. While he’s thrown the ball not too many times, Trace McSorley’s pocket awareness and ability to scramble out of pressure and extend the play has been on one of the best in college football.

McSorley’s touchdown to Juwan Johnson is the perfect example of this.

https://twitter.com/PennStateFball/status/1043518099532795910

Trace will have one of the biggest tests of his career on Saturday night vs. Ohio State to determine if he can keep his undefeated home record as starting quarterback.

Sean Clifford once again showed out in limited playing time, passing for 44 yards on his only pass attempt of the game.

Grade: B+

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