UCLA linebacker Jonjon Vaughns (6) tackles Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Following is Neil Rudel’s report card from Penn State’s 42-37 loss to UCLA at the Rose Bowl:

Quarterback: B

This wasn’t Allar’s fault. He was 19-26 for 200 yards, two TDs and no interceptions. Also ran for 78 yards on 11 carries. At same time, he was clearly second-best QB on the field.

Running back: C-

Broken record: Singleton still led with 11 carries. One went for 13. Other 10 went for 26. Did catch 2-16. Allen again got up the field better, going 8-50 and two TDs.

Offensive line: D

It starts up front and the Lions have now scored just 10 points in the last two first halves. Dawkins has three false starts in two weeks. Shanahan started for injured Donkoh at guard. The tackles have not been dominant.

Wide receiver/TE: C

Reynolds fumble killed first series of second half. He caught four, as did Hudson. Dinkins and Rappleyea combined for five catches and blocked well. Ross, thought to be top transfer WR, was blanked.

Offensive coaching: D

What is Kotelnicki doing during the week? Last two first halves: FG vs. Oregon, one TD against defenseless UCLA. Went to QB draw once too often w game on line. And has he heard of a Hail Mary? Obviously misses Tyler Warren.

Defensive line: F

Unit was gouged, especially early. There’s a damning video of a play in which Dennis-Sutton was jogging toward the ball. Durant jumped offside on fourth-and-1 in fourth Q. Durant and Fisher both had sacks.

Linebackers: F

How it is that Linebacker U lacks depth? Rojas absence glaring. Campbell and DeLuca both had 12 stops and Campbell had 2.5 TFLs, but there were lots of tackles missed as UCLA’s QB Nico ran wild.

Secondary: D

Wheatley had 12 stops including one to give Lions a last gasp. UCLA didn’t win via the pass as much as it did by running. Missed tackles here, too. Just two 20-plus pass gains but nine runs over 10 yards and four over 20.

Defensive coaching: F

Is Knowles paid weekly or twice a month? The highest paid assistant in America has now been lit up for 42 by UCLA and couldn’t hold lead in OT vs. Oregon. Bruins 10-of-16 on third down as Nits can’t get off field.

Special teams: F

Two instances were especially embarrassing. The first was the onside kick in which Dejuan Lane vacated his spot, and UCLA recovered easily. The second came in the last 25 seconds as UCLA burned precious ticks because the Lions somehow didn’t rush.

The other guy: A

Ah, the emotional swings of sports. Had to feel good for UCLA, which fired its head coach last month and then its OC on Tuesday and yet got this kind of effort. Nico, the Tennessee transfer, was fantastic.

Overall: F

No defense — literally and figuratively — for this performance. A season of such promise has turned south in a hurry.

Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com