Penn State Football: Position grades versus Michigan State

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 13: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans passes against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 13, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

It was a pretty pedestrian performance from the linebackers in this game. As I said with the defensive line, giving up 123 rushing yards isn’t bad, but it isn’t great.

Other than that, it was very disappointing were able to get minimal pressure on Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke. No Penn State linebacker recorded a sack in this game, although Micah Parsons got credited with one QB hurry.

Koa Farmer had six tackles in this and also a pass defended. Jan Johnson and Micah Parsons each had five tackles, and Cam Brown had four tackles, including one tackle for loss, and also one pass defended.

The linebackers are full of inexperience (other than Farmer), so I do expect them to get better as the season goes on. They need to get more pressure on the quarterback.

Grade: C+

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