Penn State-Marshall report card
Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas (13) celebrates after a tackle against Marshall during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State linebacker Caleb Bacon (10) tackles Marshall quarterback Khalil Wilkins (4) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State running back James Peoples (1) is tackled by Marshall linebacker Jalen Marshall, second from right, during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas (13) celebrates after a tackle against Marshall during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State linebacker Caleb Bacon (10) tackles Marshall quarterback Khalil Wilkins (4) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State running back James Peoples (1) is tackled by Marshall linebacker Jalen Marshall, second from right, during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Quarterbacks: A -- Becht and Manske were a combined 19-of-26 for 328, four TDs and no interceptions. They hit receivers in stride and allowed them to run after the catch.
Running backs: C -- Said they would use four RBs and did. Martin (No. 25, 10-38) probably was most impressive. Hansen (21) started (11-48). Peoples (No. 1, 8-31) and Wallace (No. 28 11-42) got rest. Wallace had late 16-yarder.
Offensive line: B -- Protected the QBs well and no offensive penalties. Didn't appear to create too many big holes, at least until using jumbo set in short yardage.
Receivers/Tight end: A -- Plenty of separation. Howard (6-161) starred. Hard to believe he didn't get snaps earlier last season. Sowell (No. 0, 2-33) targeted early and Eskildsen (No. 4, 5-48) made five with a screen-pass TD.
Offensive coaching: A -- Nice debut, Taylor Mouser. Lots of diversity in the pass game and made good on pledge to play Manske and all four RBs. Gutsy and well executed call on fourth-and-1 from own 22.
Defensive line: A -- Bacon (No. 10) starred with three TFLs. Could be monster. Ezeogu (No. 1) had two QB hurries. Granville (No. 18) left early but returned. Williams (No. 98) hit with face mask.
Linebackers: A -- Rojas led with a team-high seven stops to go with two TFLs. Ebel (No. 8), who calls the signals, had three tackles and broke up a pass. Nice job spying on Marshall QB, who was elusive last year.
Secondary: A- -- Didn't let anything behind them but three holding penalties -- Tracy (7), Vakalahi (98) and Zayas (17) -- is too many. Dixson dinged but later returned.
Defensive coaching: A -- A shutout is a shutout so kudos to D'Anton Lynn, who worked the game from the press box after door was left open for him being on sidelines. Tough when needed -- held Marshall to 1-of-11 on third down, 0-1 on fourth.
Special teams: A -- Zay Robinson (No. 2) looks like find as returner -- 65 on four touches including 34-yard opening kickoff burst. Barker made lone FG and punter Tiyce boomed 55-yarder and had one die at the 1.
The other guys: D -- You'd think staying in Altoona would have been a positive omen. Thundering Herd have work to do. Sideline interference on opening kickoff, a strange call, didn't help.
Overall grade: A -- Lions pretty much doubled oddsmakers expectations (they were giving 23.5) with complete performance that whets the appetite. Perfect day and whoever tinkered with the music selection deserves pat on the back.