PSU-Michigan report card
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Quarterback: D
Becht 28-44 for 267, but at least two of his three (second half) turnovers were unacceptable -- especially for veteran QB. Again not good in red zone. Campbell made it clear no change to Manske in sight.
Running backs: C-
Hansen (15-51) ran hard, but there's just no room. Peoples (5-14) and Martin rationed two carries (2-2). Nits averaged 2.2 yards on 30 rushes and have now rushed for less than 70 yards in last three games.
Offensive line: F
There was once a Penn State coach (hint, hint) who defined a great tailback as "somebody you get into the secondary two-three times a game." This line can't get anybody through the defensive line, let alone further.
Receivers/Tight ends: A
Sowell not only went off for 11-151 and a TD but several were contested. Making most of fourth school. Eskildsen (3-28) had tough call on pick play. TEs made 12 catches --- Rapp (7-34), Brahmer (4-24) and Burkle (1-20). Group did better getting to sticks.
Offensive coaching: D
Nits entered game ranked in bottom 20% of country in red-zone offense. Good first drive ended w same story -- Becht sack, incompletion, short FG. Another late substitution burned TO. Kujos on 2-point conversion.
Defensive line: C
Group wore down as game unfolded. Big holes up front. DTs not eating enough space (preseason hype). Blanding (39) made first start. Taupaki hit with personal foul. Bacon big stop early. One sack in 18 UM dropbacks.
Linebacker: B
Rojas had another strong game with a game-high 12 tackles and two TFLs. Ebel, Iowa State's co-leader in tackles last year, made seven but nobody home too often on long runs and on Michigan decisive option TD. Like to see more of Brezina (9). Tatsch out for year.
Secondary: A
You'll never see a better pick than Zayas' one-hander. Tracy alertly snagged UM bobble. Too bad both plays were wasted. Collins hit with pass interference. Patton (five tackles) has displaced Neal, who did play.
Defensive coaching: C
You go to Big House and allow 21 points, you need to win. Second-half run defense was not good but defense kept Nits in game and deserved better fate. And Lynn needs to introduce edge contain before November.
Special teams: B
Tiyce only averaged 38 yards on five punts but did put two inside the 10, including late and defense allowed a big run. Dixson block in back on punt return put Nits at own 8 and two plays later, Becht fumbled.
The Other Guys: B
Whittingham did well to pull plug on Underwood, much to the delight of the UM fans. Even more impressive was the way Tommy Carr handled himself -- efficient passing, excellent running, no turnovers. Backs ran hard and Michigan's defense is very strong.
Overall grade: C-
Campbell is starting to sound like being in game is something to feel good about. Maybe he's realizing what we can all see: Nits don't have enough talent. Losing streak now at four with merciful open date next.