PSU

Penn State Report Card — FIU

Following is Neil Rudel's report card from Penn State's 34-0 win over Florida International on Saturday at Beaver Stadium:

Quarterback: C-

Allar was 19-of-33 for 200 yards, two TDs, no picks. But he started 1-of-5 and was out of rhythm in first half. Must get better. His performance cost Grunk time.

Running back: B

Allen (16-44, 9.0 per carry) and Singleton (13-76, 5.8) both scored. But neither had much room until Allen burst his 67-yard TD with 3:29 left. No other backs carried.

Offensive line: C-

Allar was sacked twice and several short-yardage plays were blown up and against FIU, that was surprising. Disappointing performance for this unit. Trying to use seven as starters may not be helping.

Wide receiver/TE: B-

Dinkins missed one, had shots at two more, then caught TD. Reynolds missed one but was 7-58. Ross (3-61) made great TD, good sign after just one last week. Hudson 5-37.

Offensive coaching: D

Flanking Allar out wide to start game shows how Kotelnicki likes to get cute. Just 3-of-12 third downs, which is on the OC (just like if they were 12-of-15).

Defensive line: A

Ford with an interception. Two more TFLs for Dani and frosh Coleman added two late followed by a 39-yard return to set up TD. Tillman and White had 1.5 TFLs. Fisher started but recorded no stats.

Linebackers: B+

Rojas led with 10 stops and had two QB hurries. He and Campbell tied for team lead with six solos. Tackling not overly sharp early.

Secondary: B

FIU completed 18 passes but only for 149 yards so unit generally kept game in front of it. Edges got blocked. King Mack makes plays whenever he's in. Zion Tracy started after missing Nevada game.

Defensive coaching: B

CJF acknowledged afterward the players are still adjusting to Jim Knowles' system. FIU kept the ball for 34+ minutes or outcome would have been worse.

Special teams: B-

The good (blocked punt, excellent punting) was nearly matched by the bad (kickoffs OB, blocked field goal, 2-point penalty). Nwosu averaged 53.3 on three punts and put all three inside 20.

The other guy: B

Owned clock. Backs averaged 5.2 and 4.9 yards on 23 carries. 11 receivers caught passes and QB Jenkins bought time. Defense checked Nits to 5-of-16 on third and fourth down. Conference USA contender?

Overall: C+

Defense saves day. What happened to showing most improvement between games one and two? Not this year. Game never in doubt, but Lions were caught reading their press clippings.

Neil Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com. He will respond weekly to brief questions and comments on Gameday.