Penn State Football Grades: Jahan Dotson’s career day leads decisive win over Illinois

LB Brandon Smith

Grade: A-

The linebackers have been the ire of a lot of criticism this season from not only Penn State Football fans, but also defensive coordinator Brent Pry, citing tackling issues.

Saturday night, sophomore Brandon Smith starred in that linebacker unit, leading the team with eight tackles and collecting three tackles for loss in the 56-21 victory.

Smith has freakish athleticism and top end speed and it shows when he flies into the backfield blowing up plays before they even start. He played a crucial role in the defense putting the clamps on the Illini after a first quarter that had the Nittany Lions looking confused and on their heels.

The defense held Illinois scoreless through the final three quarters allowing the offense to pull away and never letting the Illini back up off the matt after going into halftime with a three touchdown lead.

The sophomore put together a great season with 37 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, an interception and two pass breakups. That stat line is indicative of him being all over the field on Saturday’s.