Rudel’s Rutgers report card
Penn State tight end Andrew Rappleyea (87) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Penn State linebacker Amare Campbell (24) recovers a fumble and runs for a touchdown past Rutgers offensive lineman Taj White (54) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Penn State tight end Andrew Rappleyea (87) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Penn State linebacker Amare Campbell (24) recovers a fumble and runs for a touchdown past Rutgers offensive lineman Taj White (54) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
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Following is Neil Rudel's report card from Penn State's 40-36 victory over Rutgers on Saturday at SHI Stadium:
Quarterback: A
Grunkemeyer (17-21-209, 1 TD, no picks) has shown impressive growth over his six starts. Line of scrimmage management has been especially good.
Running back: A
Since Terry Smith assumed reins, Allen became featured back. He went for career-high 226. Singleton set school records with 55 career TDs and all-purpose yards with 5,586. Allen now has 4,190 yards.
Offensive line: A
9.1 per-carry average (on 33 tries) and just one sack allowed is credit to the unit, which has taken to reporting to media room as a group and not answering individual questions. Grunk's comfortability speaks to success.
Wide receiver/TE: A
Rapp (4-75) caught two big fourth-down passes -- go-to guy in key situations. Dinkins blanked but blocked like beast. WRs Pena (4-36) Ross (2-29), Hudson (1-23) had moments.
Offensive coaching: A
Rutgers was even worse than Nits defensively, but kudos to Kotelnicki on late-season success. Maybe it will help get his next job. 1-of-8 on third down but 3-3 on fourth. Good use of play-action and spread wealth.
Defensive line: D
Rutgers QB Kaliakmanis had too much time and got comfortable early. Dennis-Sutton made only four tackles, but he help create key fourth-down stop with pressure. Only one QB hurry from the whole group.
Linebackers: C-
Have to give Campbell credit for recovering fumble and returning for TD. Plus he made 14 tackles. DeLuca added six and broke up pass. Unit must bear some responsibility for Rutgers ground game (195 yards).
Secondary: D-
This was brutal. Rutgers does have Big Ten's second best passing offense, but receivers often ran free and they won 50-50 matchups. Harris has backslid. Frosh Dixson broke up two passes and Tracy made two TFLs.
Defensive coaching: D
Knowles took step backward after last two encouraging games. Nits caught in blitz for go-ahead score, and secondary was out of position much of the night. On one play, Nits were flagged with 13 men on field.
Special teams: C
Three special teams penalties? Not good. Barker was true on both his FGs, Gabe averaged 47 on three punts and kicked into end zone, and Singleton was aggressive in KO returns. Good coverage.
The other guy: B
Rutgers played hard and put up good fight before it ultimately turned into Rutgers with Kaliakmanis, who otherwise played well, just dropping ball and allowing scoop/score. Receivers are excellent. Defense AWOL.
Overall: B-
Defense dragged it down. But Lions were on ropes against a program that desperately would like to beat them and yet did enough to escape and finish .500. Now let's return to the search, which can't last much longer.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com