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Penn State Football: Players of the game against Indiana

By Barry Leonard Jr.

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 20: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass in the first quarter of the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 20: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass in the first quarter of the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Who had the best day for Penn State football in Week 8?

Penn State football got back on track Saturday with a much-needed win over Indiana. After dropping back-to-back home games to Ohio State and Michigan State, the Nittany Lions were in search of a win to keep their season alive. Several players stepped up against the Hoosiers to help lead the Nittany Lions to the 33-28 victory.

It wasn’t pretty for Penn State, as there were still too many mistakes. The Nittany Lions once again had trouble closing out the game and let Indiana come within one score late in the game. After recovering an onside kick, Indiana had a few plays to try for the game-winning touchdown.

Fortunately for the Nittany Lions, they were able to hold on and escape Bloomington.

While there are still plenty of issues to work on and figure out, a few players stood out as the best Nittany Lions in Week 8.

Offense – Trace McSorley, Quarterback 

Unfortunately for McSorley, he didn’t throw a touchdown pass against the Hoosiers, ending his streak of 34-straight games with at least one touchdown throw. While that was unfortunate, McSorly still had a solid game and played a big role in helping Penn State get past the Hoosiers.

The senior quarterback threw for 220 yards and had one interception. Those numbers are definitely pedestrian, but he was able to make up for his lack of production through they air by using his legs.

Aside from scrambling around in the pocket and extending plays, he was able to lead the team in rushing with 107 yards and two touchdowns.

It certainly wasn’t the best day for McSorley, and he was once again hurt by dropped pass, but he was the best Nittany Lion on the field and played a key role in the victory.

Honorable Mention: RB Miles Sanders, WR Juwan Johnson

Defense – Shaka Toney, Defensive End

Shaka Toney was an absolute beast for the Nittany Lions against Indiana. He spent the afternoon causing havoc in the Indiana backfield and showed an uncanny ability to get off of blocks and disrupt plays.

Although his six total tackles didn’t lead the team, Toney made the most of his opportunities. Four of his six tackles were sacks, which did pace the Nittany Lions.

Especially late in the game, Toney became a force on the defensive line. The Hoosiers had to be aware of where No. 18 was on every play. Toney has shown the ability to get into opposing backfield in the past, and Saturday against Indiana was no different.

Honorable Mention: DE Yetur Gross-Matos, LB Cam Brown 

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