Penn State Football: Grading Nittany Lions vs. Michigan State

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 26: Safety David Dowell #6 of the Michigan State Spartans is pursued by wide receiver Mac Hippenhammer #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lions after making an interception during the second half at Spartan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. Penn State defeated Michigan State 28-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 26: Safety David Dowell #6 of the Michigan State Spartans is pursued by wide receiver Mac Hippenhammer #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lions after making an interception during the second half at Spartan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. Penn State defeated Michigan State 28-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 26: Running back Elijah Collins #24 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled by linebacker Micah Parsons #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions with linebacker Jan Johnson #36 during the first half at Spartan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. Penn State defeated Michigan State 28-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 26: Running back Elijah Collins #24 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled by linebacker Micah Parsons #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions with linebacker Jan Johnson #36 during the first half at Spartan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. Penn State defeated Michigan State 28-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

The linebackers followed up their solid performance after the White Out with another one at Spartan Stadium. Micah Parsons led the Nittany Lions in tackles with 12 and also had a pass defensed. Parsons now had a total of 26 tackles in the last two games.

Jan Johnson had six tackles plus a pass defensed and a QB hurry. Cam Brown also had six tackles and a pass defensed. Additionally, Brown had a tackle for loss.

Ellis Brooks only had one tackle, but he recovered the fumble that was forced by Jayson Oweh. True freshman Brandon Smith didn’t record a tackle but had a QB hurry.

The linebackers also deserve much of the credit for the dominant run Penn State run defense, who only allowed 2.7 yards per carry as I mentioned earlier.