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Penn State Football: Grading Nittany Lions’ performance vs. Idaho

By Dylan Burd

STATE COLLEGE, PA - AUGUST 31: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass for a touchdown against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Beaver Stadium on August 31, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - AUGUST 31: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass for a touchdown against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Beaver Stadium on August 31, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – AUGUST 31: Garrett Taylor #17 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Beaver Stadium on August 31, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – AUGUST 31: Garrett Taylor #17 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Beaver Stadium on August 31, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Secondary

The secondary was one of the biggest question marks for Penn State this year, but the starters looked great on Saturday. Junior safety Lamont Wade tied for the team-lead in tackles with four. In addition, junior cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields had three tackles and a tackle for loss.

Redshirt senior cornerback John Reid was the defensive MVP for the Nittany Lions in this game, as he had a sack and an interception.

Redshirt freshman cornerback Trent Gordon, redshirt senior safety Garrett Taylor, and true freshman cornerback Keaton Ellis all had a pass defended.

Overall, the defense allowed 141 passing yards and a passing touchdown to Idaho. This doesn’t seem ideal against a team like Idaho, but the allowed touchdown was mainly set up by a special teams fumble. Also, most of the yards came on short passes when the defense was sitting back, preventing big plays. Idaho still only had five first downs the entire game.

Grade: B+

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