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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: M.J. Rivers II #8 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks to pass the ball during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 21: M.J. Rivers II #8 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks to pass the ball during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

Now to move onto the worst side of the ball, the defense. The defensive line was nothing short of brutal in this one, and it was by far the worst game they’ve played all season.

To start, the Nittany Lions’ defensive line allowed 245 rushing yards to one of the worst teams in the Big Ten. Allowing 245 rushing yards to any team is horrendous, let alone the Fighting iIlini. Furthermore, the defensive line got no pressure on the freshman Illinois quarterback, M.J Rivers II. As a team, Penn State only had one sack, and a half was by a defensive lineman (Robert Windsor). This is something that cannot happen going forward.

Windsor had another tackle for loss in addition to the sack, and led all defensive linemen with five tackles. Defensive tackle Kevin Givens had three tackles with a half a tackle for loss, while defensive end Shaka Toney had two tackles including a half a tackle for loss.

Getting pressure on Dwayne Haskins is going to be crucial on Saturday as Haskins is a top-three quarterback in the nation right now. The defensive line needs to step up.

Grade: D+

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