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Quarterback: C
Best we can do here. Becht was 16-24 for 175 and no interceptions. But he lacks arm strength for effective down-field pass game and doesn't lead open receivers very well. Grounding penalty was costly. Still nothing rationed for Manske.
Running backs: A
So where has Cam Wallace been? Went for 135 on 22 carries. Hanson (17-96) ran tough. Zip for Peoples or Martin. When Campbell said those who practiced the best would earn playing time, he wasn't kidding. Now four different starting tailbacks.
Offensive line: B+
Much better blocking for the run. Becht sacked twice but flushed out of pocket and ran for 27 yards, picking up a couple first downs. He actually carried 11 times -- too many since he's not real fast, either. Donkoh hit with holding penalty.
Receivers/Tight ends: C+
Sowell hurt vs. Michigan but played through it, only to sit out this week. Howard missed fifth straight. Both possible for Washington. WRs caught just four -- two by frosh Jackson. TE chemistry better as Brahmer and Rapp each snagged four.
Offensive coaching: B-
Too reliant on QB draws. Got Becht to edge for TD and nice flip to Rapp for TD. Scratching head on third-and-1 dropback w run game gouging Boilers. Credit for fake FG and fourth-and-1 from own 28 in first half (Becht sneak). 3-for-3 on fourth down.
Defensive line: B+
Maligned unit improved. Kemajou active. McPherson w two hurries. Bacon also had two hurries but missed open-field tackle. Nnodim 1.5 TFLs. He got more snaps after Taupaki personal foul, which was iffy.
Linebacker: B
No big stats, in part because Purdue only ran 44 plays (credit to PSU ground game). Rojas quiet with just two tackles after averaging eight coming in. Ebel made three tackles and knocked down an early pass.
Secondary: A-
Patton's interception helped keep Lions in control. At that point, one-TD game. He beat out Neal a few games ago and has looked good. Cooper w his first PSU pick (to go with eight at Iowa State). Tracy w needless taunting penalty.
Defensive coaching: B+
DC Lynn has taken some heat but allowed only the early TD and a late FG with game long decided. Run support much better. Successful teams have defenses that travel. We'll see next week.
Special teams: D-
Only thing that keeps this from an F is well-executed fake FG. Otherwise, a disaster. Punt blocked for TD (almost got punter killed), two missed FGs, block in back flag wiped out decent return and returner (Robinson) made FCs at own 5. Conemaugh Twp. sprinter Ethan Black returned second-half KO 15 yards.
The other guys: C-
Purdue one of tougher jobs in Big Ten. Boilers dominated up front but still only trailed by 10 with 2:11 left in third Q. Defense allowed previously offensively-challenged Nits four drives of 10-plus plays and Boiler offense couldn't keep ball (nine first downs).
Overall grade: B
Lions used open date well by improving toughness, unveiling new RB starter (Wallace) and working in fake FG. Need to clean up special teams and reduce penalties (6-65). Meanwhile, the vast number of empty seats should be alarming PSU brass.