PSU-Wisconsin report card
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Quarterback: D-
Just 12-29-129. Looked sharp early, connecting with Brahmer, then finished 8-of-24. Scrambled and hit tough throw on FG drive that put Nits up 20-10. Needed but didn't get great catch. Has dropped snaps last two weeks.
Running backs: D-
Peoples (14-67) bright spot, but those who feared committee vs. RB1 are justified. Unit's longest run was 9 yards. Hansen started again. Hansen (2.8), Martin (2.3), Wallace (2.0) averaged less than 3.0
Offensive line: F
Second down from 1 (in four-TE set) and Martin dumped for 3-yard loss. Not good. Campbell blamed some deflections on protection. Riker played through injury. Fourth-and-1 punt (early fourth) not exactly confidence call in OL. Becht only sacked once.
Receivers/Tight ends: D
Sowell caught six but was lone WR with a reception, which magnified loss of Howard. Brahmer (4-36). More expected from Eskildsen. Rappleyea played but was blanked. Ditto Burkle. TE blocking subpar.
Offensive coaching: F
OC Mouser tough on himself after Temple. Can't imagine he's too pleased today. Nits just 7-19 on third or fourth down. General lack of creativity. No TD drives as lone offensive TD was set up big interception return.
Defensive line: D
Wisconsin QB Joseph tried 38 passes and sacked just twice. Too comfy in fourth quarter. Ezeogu strayed contain on UW second-quarter TD. Unit lacks dominant edge rusher. Courtney Brown, where are you?
Linebacker: C
Rojas stood out with six tackles and interception, though he did miss big tackle late. Ebel, with eight tackles and three hurries, is tough player. Badger backs averaged 6.8 and 6.5 on combined 13 carries.
Secondary: C
Pick-6 by Zayas and big return by Dixson. Cooper led with eight tackles. Still can't feel great about allowing two long TD drives on last two possessions.
Defensive coaching: D
Needs more pressure to compensate for D-line. Tackling not good late. UW probably got away with OPI on last touchdown but nobody home after initial contact.
Special teams: C
Someone please explain after UW cut the lead to 20-17, how/why explosive Zay Robinson would fair catch the next kickoff -- with plenty of green in front of him?
The other guys: B
It's a bottom-line business so Wisconsin's fourth quarter covered up its previous three when it did everything it could to hand Penn State the game -- and the Lions wouldn't take it.
Overall grade: D
Feel this is generous. All things considered (double-digit lead, Campbell's Big Ten opener, homecoming) this became one of the most disappointing losses in Penn State history.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com