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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: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions is seen during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions is seen during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Coaching

There was no problem with the offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne’s plan or James Franklin’s game management this week. When you put up 63 points in a football game, no one is going to complain.

The main issue was defensively, with coordinator Brent Pry. Penn State football allowed 411 total yards in this game, and were unable to get any pressure at all on the quarterback. They should have stacked the box against Illinois’ running game, forcing M.J Rivers II to throw. Instead, they sat back and let Illinois average 5.4 yards per rush.

After defensive questions marks surrounding Penn State for the first four games, Brent Pry and Penn State football get a much-needed extra day to prepare for Ohio State.

Grade: B-

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