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Penn State Football position grades after back to back wins

By Lawrence Santa Maria

Brandon Smith of Penn State sacks quarterback Johnny Lanngan of Rutgers in the first half during a Big Ten college football match up that saw Penn State defeat Rutgers 23-7 in Piscataway, NJ on December 5, 2020.Big Ten College Football Penn State At Rutgers In Piscataway Nj On December 5 2020
Brandon Smith of Penn State sacks quarterback Johnny Lanngan of Rutgers in the first half during a Big Ten college football match up that saw Penn State defeat Rutgers 23-7 in Piscataway, NJ on December 5, 2020.Big Ten College Football Penn State At Rutgers In Piscataway Nj On December 5 2020 /
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Jayson Oweh #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Jayson Oweh #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

Grade: B+

The defensive line is arguably the most talented and deep position group the Nittany Lions have and has played up to those expectations of late. After Iowa came into Happy Valley and punched Penn State in the mouth physically, this group has responded with back to back stellar performances against Michigan and Rutgers.

Although they did not record a sack in the win at Ann Arbor, the defensive line was stout when they needed to be, pulling off multiple short yardage stops, including stopping quarterback Joe Milton’s quarterback sneak attempt on 4th and inches late in the fourth quarter, all but sealing a Penn State victory.

In Week 7, the defensive line manhandled the Rutgers front line, living in the backfield. Defensive tackle Antonio Shelton and defensive end Jayson Oweh were bright spots for the Nittany Lions. Penn State held Rutgers to only 83 rushing yards on 32 attempts, an average of 2.6 yards per carry while sacking quarterback Noah Vedral  twice.

Penn State has been finding more playing time for the young guys along the defensive line, as the likes of Adisa Isaac, Fred Hansard and Hakeem Beamon have all flashed moments of promise, makin standout plays. Redshirt freshman Dvon Ellies picked up his first career sack on the last play of the game against Rutgers.

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