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Penn State Football: Position grades versus Illinois 2018

By Dylan Burd

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)
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) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 21: Miles Sanders #24 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the ball as Bobby Roundtree #97 of the Illinois Fighting Illini pursues during the game at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 21: Miles Sanders #24 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the ball as Bobby Roundtree #97 of the Illinois Fighting Illini pursues during the game at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

This positional unit that was of most concern for national media coming into the year, was once again the best unit on the field last week. Miles Sanders had the best game of his career, as he rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries. That’s averaging 9.1 yards per carry.

One of these three touchdowns was 48 yards, finally a long run that we’ve been waiting for Miles Sanders to break off all season. Sanders now has 495 rushing yards on the season in 2018, and has officially begun to raise the eyebrows of NFL Draft scouts around the nation.

With Mark Allen out of the lineup with an injury, true freshman Ricky Slade stepped up in his place running for 94 yards on only ten carries, to go along with two touchdowns. One of these touchdowns went for 61 yards.

In addition, Journey Brown got his first two carries of his career, and rushed for ten yards and a touchdown. The three Penn State running backs combined for 304 rushing yards and six touchdowns on Friday night. They’ve been sensational to start the season, and will need it to continue Saturday vs. Ohio State.

Grade: A+

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