Following is Neil Rudel's report card from Penn State's 20-14 victory over Ohio State on Saturday at Ohio Stadium:
POSITION GRADE COMMENT
Quarterback BMcGloin (10-18-88 yards, one pick) wasn't overly sharp, throwing behind receivers. He also had two drops. But factor in the wildcat QBs, Drake and Belton, and the grade goes up. Who'd have thunk that Bolden would now be No. 4?
Running backBGreen has really run hard since returning from suspension. Redd (8-63) still not 100 percent but had one showstopper of 42 yards. Zordich had tough day (2-1 and one drop).
Offensive line B+Would be an A but you've got to be able to punch it in from the 2. Maybe the bunched-up scheme didn't help but Lions failed in four cracks. Still, team averaged 6.1 in 39 rushes and unit allowed no sacks.
Wide receiver C+Not a great day for WRs. Moye (3-40) led way. Brown had one good catch but missed two others, one after being hit hard. He was also open deep but McGloin threw to wrong shoulder.
Tight end C+Szczerba had one catch for 12 yards. He also had a dubious moment when he actually knocked down Beachum, ending 13-yard gain.
Offensive coaching AGreat job in energizing team by implementing the wildcat. Gets some of the better athletes heretofore not being used into the game and opened up the inside for Green. Good use of screens.
Defensive line BCrawford had one of his better games with six tackles, including two sacks. Stanley made sensational play in defending rather deep pass, and Hill, one of the team's unsung heroes, recovered key fumble.
Linebacker B+Hodges limited to four stops but Stupar got eight and applied consistent pressure. Carson made 11 tackles and got key strip and Fortt saw a few snaps.
Secondary COhio State TE was too open on touchdown pass, and Buckeye QB Miller, though shifty, had too much room as run support wasn't overly effective. Sukay recovered a fumble and broke up two passes.
Defensive coaching BLike what Bradley has done in designating LJ and Vandy as co-coordinators. Buckeyes scored on just two of 10 possessions.
Special teams AFera was outstanding, going 2-for-2 on FGs of 40-plus yards and placing three punts inside 20 that produced zero return yards. Frosh Amos hit with close call on block in back that nixed big Brown return.
The other guy CObviously not the best Ohio State team, but tough to win with freshman QB, even one with Miller's potential. Was impressed with Buckeyes' hard-hitting secondary.
Officials B Teams combined for 11 penalties, mostly 5-yarders. Thought Posey's catch at sidelines should have been reviewed, considering Brown's catch was ruled incomplete after review.
Atmosphere AClassy gesture with both teams meeting at midfield for the pregame. Bradley called reception "first class," from "a first-class university." Clearly, one of the great venues in American sports.
Overall gradeA Penn State will take a win in Columbus any way it comes, but the Lions combined enough quality offense, defense and special teams for best win so far this year - especially given circumstances.
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Neil Rudel can be reached at 946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com. He will respond to brief comments weekly.
