The following is Neil Rudel's report card from Penn State's 14-10 victory over Temple on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field:
POSITION GRADE COMMENT
Quarterback C+ Both Bolden and McGloin hit some slants and their combined numbers (22-37-216) weren't bad. Bolden's pick and fumble were bad, though, and he doesn't sense pressure well.
Running backs B Redd (16-86) bothered by cramps but Beachum (11-27) converted pivotal fourth down. Zordich and Suhey alertly recovered Bolden fumbles and Z scored deciding TD.
Offensive line C+ Allowed just one sack. Okoli struggling with injury and was beaten early. Urschel replaced him for a while, moving Pannell to guard.
Wide receiver B+ Best game by far this year as Moye and Brown combined for 13 catches. Smith finally contributed and Moseby-Felder and true frosh Robinson each managed a catch.
Tight end B Szczerba fired off early for false start on game's first play. He's excused: His uncle, a police officer in Delaware, was killed Friday night. Backup Brian Irvin saw a couple short-yardage snaps.
Offensive coaching C Braintrust mixed it up, exploiting the middle and going to the run when pass game struggled. Anytime they want to can the reverse, it's OK. Timeout management still worst in nation.
Defensive line B+ Stanley was monster with two TFLs and two forced fumbles, including game-clincher. Still added sack and Hill was active. Got very little from Crawford and Latimore (combined one assist).
Linebacker A Group is fun to watch. Mauti led way with six stops, including three TFLs. Pierce is handful but pursuit limited him to 2.9 average (17-50). Hodges injured early but returned.
Secondary B Did not start well as Temple had success with deep passes and Powell was hit with interference in end zone. A couple of big hits (Lynn, Sukay) shook incompletions. Powell came up with key late pick.
Defensive coaching B+ Bradley probably benefited from Addazio's strange decision to stick with QB Stewart, but unit responded well overall with three turnovers and steady pressure.
Special teams F Difficult to remember a worse PSU single-game performance with two FG misses, a blocked FG, a blocked punt, failure to field a punt and non-existent kickoff returns. But they don't need a special teams coach. Nah.
The other guy B Temple played hard and with spirit, especially on defense. RB Pierce will make an NFL team. First-down interception late in fourth quarter killed them when Owls should have been running clock and playing field position.
Officials BJoePa himself said zebras did a good job, noting he thought otherwise of last week's work vs. Alabama. Astorino launched at Temple WR, thus late personal foul that gave Owls' four more downs.
Atmosphere BProbably the best it's ever been in Philly for a PSU-Temple game in that support for the Owls was almost 50-50. The Linc's cool, but traffic control lousy when college teams host games at pro stadiums.
Overall grade C-At best. Defense answered challenge by giving offense two short fields in fourth quarter and Lions were finally able to cash in, but special teams, disorganization and inconsistent offense signal trouble ahead.
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Neil Rudel can be reached at 946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com. He will respond to brief comments in Gameday.
