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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: Nate Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes passes against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 27, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 27: Nate Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes passes against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 27, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

This was my favorite game of the year from the defensive line for one reason: defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos. Gross-Matos has proved himself to be a top player on the defense this season, but this game was his coming-out party. There were even NFL Draft scouts on Twitter asking who No. 99 was.

Gross-Matos led the team with nine tackles, including two sacks on four tackles for loss. He was incredible. In addition, defensive tackle Robert Windsor chipped into the effort as he had two tackles and a sack. Defensive end Shareef Miller also had two tackles.

The pressure on the Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley was great as well. The defensive line hurried Stanley four times, two by defensive tackle Kevin Givens, and one by Shareef Miller and Robert Windsor. This forced Stanley to only complete 36 percent of his passing attempts (18/49), and throw two interceptions.

Overall, the defensive line allowed 135 yards on the ground on 38 attempts, which is fantastic. This means they only allowed 3.6 yards per rush. Defensive coordinator Brent Pry will take that any day of the week.

Grade: A

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