Ohio State running back Bo Jackson plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Following is Neil Rudel’s report card from Penn State’s 38-14 loss to Ohio State on Saturday at Ohio Stadium:

Quarterback: C

Grunk (19-28-145) found some rhythm in the second quarter with a pair of third-down completions but it didn’t translate to the second half. Liam Clifford got a few snaps as a gimmick, but that didn’t work, either.

Running back: C

Allen (21-76) made 26 yards on his first carry and 50 on his next 20 as the Bucks crowded him. Singleton (6-18) continued his running struggles but caught three for 28 and scored a TD.

Offensive line: D

There were a few dropbacks when Grunk had time, but he didn’t have anybody open or missed. Nits tried to stress run to hide their average OL by using six and seven linemen, but that, too, wasn’t the answer.

Wide receiver/TE: D

Just never open enough, especially for a young QB. Ross (5-26) led. Pena (3-11), Liam (2-14), Hudson (1-18) and newbee Koby Howard (1-26). Dinkins caught one, and OSU safety Downs got away with targeting.

Offensive coaching: F

Once again, the passing game was too east-west and can’t get deep. Receivers and O-line culpable, too. AK did have a nice shovel pass that set up TD. It’s not all his fault. He’s not the first OC to fail under Franklin’s influence.

Defensive line: D-

Strong candidate for season’s most disappointing unit. No sacks. Dennis-Sutton did cause a fumble that Coleman recovered and returned 9 yards. Was his only tackle. Ford made three. Durant quiet with two.

Linebackers: C

Campbell led with eight stops. Wylie added five. Freshman Tatsch saw action and made two tackles. DeLuca got fewer snaps but broke up a pass.

Secondary: F

What’s the saying — you have one job? Well, the secondary let Ohio State’s receivers behind them too often, which resulted in too many huge plays. Harris also flagged for interference.

Defensive coaching: F

Will the next coach have to keep Knowles? If not, add him to the buyout roster.

Special teams: B-

Nwosu had a great day, averaging 49.8 on six punts, including three 50-yarders. Put two inside 20. Kickoff returns have been a problem. Corey Smith didn’t field one, which pinned Nits back, but he did have a 24-yarder.

The other guy: A

Tough to quibble with reigning national champs. They have a lot of everything and probably could have made it worse.

Overall: D

PSU isn’t making excuses and shouldn’t. Its leadership and overrated roster created this mess, and we’ll see how much worse it gets. Do feel for Terry Smith, but temporary promotion comes with extra hazard pay.

Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com