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Penn State Football: Grades vs. Ohio State

By Dylan Burd

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Will Levis #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is dragged down by Jordan Fuller #4, Shaun Wade #24, and Baron Browning #5, all of the Ohio State Buckeyes, in the third quarter after a gain for a first down at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Penn State 28-17. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Will Levis #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is dragged down by Jordan Fuller #4, Shaun Wade #24, and Baron Browning #5, all of the Ohio State Buckeyes, in the third quarter after a gain for a first down at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Penn State 28-17. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 23: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks for running room in the second quarter as Micah Parsons #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions closes in at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 23: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks for running room in the second quarter as Micah Parsons #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions closes in at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

B. . . . LINEBACKERS

It was an up-and-down day for the linebackers. While they did play their part in allowing 3.8 yard per carry by missing tons of tackles (especially on QB runs from Justin Fields), they also made some big plays defensively, as the linebackers combined for four tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.

Micah Parsons, who was named a finalist for the Butkus Award (nation’s top linebacker) on Monday, led the way with 10 tackles and two tackles for loss. Parsons also forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble.

Furthermore, Jan Johnson had seven tackles, including half a tackle for loss, while Cam Brown had six tackles and a fumble recovery. Ellis Brooks had four tackles, including a half a tackle for loss and Brandon Smith had a tackle for loss.

The linebackers have had better overall days, but they did make some huge plays to get Penn State back in the game. This year, the dominant defensive player that everyone is talking about is Chase Young. Next year, that guy will be Micah Parsons.

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