Penn State Football: Grades versus Rutgers

By Dylan Burd | Nov 20, 2018

PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 17: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions hands off to Miles Sanders #24 against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter at HighPoint.com Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

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PISCATAWAY, NJ – NOVEMBER 17: Isaih Pacheco #10 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights is stopped by the Penn State Nittany Lions defense during the first quarter at HighPoint.com Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

This inexperienced linebacker group has been underwhelming this season, but they stepped up on Saturday. The two team leaders in tackles were linebackers Jan Johnson and Koa Farmer with eight. Micah Parsons was tied second on the team in tackles with seven.

Farmer also had a tackle for loss and a pass defended in addition to his eight tackles. Parsons had a strip-sack that was recovered by defensive end Daniel Joseph. The sack was one of Parsons’ two tackles for loss in this game.

Ellis Brooks also chipped into the effort with four tackles, while Cam Brown, who didn’t start due to a violation of team rules, had two.

As stated about the defensive line, the linebackers played a role in allowing 188 rushing yards, but on 55 caries. All things considered, this is only 3.4 yards per carry which is solid. Props to the linebackers for having what was one of their best outings of the 2018 season.

Grade: B+

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