Penn State Football: Position grades versus Illinois 2018

By Dylan Burd | Sep 25, 2018

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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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 01: Cam Brown #6 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates his sack with Ayron Monroe #23 of the Penn State Nittany Lions on September 1, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

The linebackers played horrendously in terms of stopping the run and getting pressure on the quarterback as well. However, while they did play a role in allowing the 245 rushing yards, they did step up defending the pass.

Senior Jan Johnson and sophomore Ellis Brooks both had interceptions in the fourth quarter, two of the main reasons why Penn State football won the fourth quarter by 35 points. Johnson and Brooks also each had six tackles, and Brooks had a half a sack to go along with that. Freshman Micah Parsons had six tackles as well. Koa Farmer and Cam Brown each had three tackles.

The linebackers really need to play better defending the run and putting pressure on the quarterback in the future. It’s their responsibility nearly as much as the defensive line. However, it was extremely impressive to see what they were able to do against the pass.

Grade: C+

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