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Penn State Football: Position grades versus Iowa

By Dylan Burd

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 27: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after rushing for a 51 yard touchdown in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 27, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 27: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after rushing for a 51 yard touchdown in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 27, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 27: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after rushing for a 51 yard touchdown in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 27, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 27: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after rushing for a 51 yard touchdown in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 27, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Quarterbacks

It was certainly an eventful day for Penn State quarterbacks in this game, mostly due to Trace McSorley’s knee injury, which led to Tommy Stevens playing a couple of drives in his place.

In terms of the level McSorley played at, you can say it certainly wasn’t anywhere near one of his best games as Penn State, but the way he was able to get the win was truly amazing. This game is one that Penn State fans won’t forget for a long time, as it truly encapsulates McSorley’s entire career.

McSorley limped off the field in the second quarter with a knee injury, that had fans wondering if this was the last time we’d ever see him on a Penn State football field. However, just as Trace McSorley has been his entire career, he was a warrior, and came back later in the second quarter. He then ran for a 51-yard touchdown in the third.

https://twitter.com/PennStateFball/status/1056720079621111809

Trace McSorley did throw a touchdown to Pat Freiermuth before getting injured, but right from the start, it was extremely tough conditions for passing the ball. It was raining and cold the entire game, and you could tell McSorley’s accuracy wasn’t where it’s normally at.

McSorley finished the game 11-of-25 passing, with 167 yards and a touchdown. He also had 12 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown. Despite getting the win, Trace McSorley did make a huge mistake when he threw the pick six in the fourth quarter, and also had a miscommunication with Miles Sanders that led to a fumble recovered by Iowa.

What was just as impressive as Trace McSorley coming back from injury was how well Tommy Stevens played while the starter was sidelined. Stevens was 2-of-4 passing with 27 yards, and also had five carries for 18 yards and a touchdown. Stevens accounted for ten of Penn State’s points, as he led them to a field goal right before halftime.

Overall, you can say Trace McSorley didn’t play his best game, but the way he returned from his injury only to run for a 51-yard touchdown was nothing short of legendary. The emotions he showed after the game told the whole tale.

On another note, It was also reassuring to know that Penn State will be just fine with Tommy Stevens as the starter next season.

Grade: B

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