Penn State Football: Grades versus Rutgers

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PISCATAWAY, NJ – NOVEMBER 17: (L-R) Giovanni Rescigno #17 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights is wrapped up by Antonio Shelton #55 of the Penn State Nittany Lions and PJ Mustipher #93 during the fourth quarter at HighPoint.com Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Penn State won 20-7. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

I’ve been extremely impressed with the defensive line in terms of getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They continued that this week as they sacked Rutgers three times in this game.

Defensive end Shareef Miller had seven tackles, and two and a half tackles for loss, including one sack. Defensive tackle Robert Windsor, who’s having a quietly good season, had six tackles and two tackles for loss, including a sack. The other sack for the defensive line came from sophomore defensive tackle Antonio Shelton, who had two tackles on the day.

In terms of the best player on the defense this season, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos had five tackles, and a tackle for loss. Defensive tackle Kevin Givens also chipped into the effort with five tackles, including a tackle and a half for loss. Defensive ends Shane Simmons and Shaka Toney also had three tackles. Sophomore defensive end Daniel Joseph recovered the only fumble lost by Rutgers on the day.

In terms of rushing yards allowed, which the defensive line has struggled with along with the linebackers, Rutgers ran for 188 yards, but on 55 carries. This is only 3.4 yards per rush, which is pretty good for the Penn State defense.

Overall, I was impressed with the performance of the defensive line this week, as I have been in several weeks prior to this.

Grade: B

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