So, I guess that was fun for a half, no? Not really? Oh well, let’s just go ahead and get this over with…
Quarterback: F
Rocco Becht almost single-handedly lost Penn State the game with his three turnovers, all of which led to Michigan cashing in for touchdowns. That’s your difference-maker, right there.
Running Back: C-
Carson Hansen had a TD run in what was otherwise another unremarkable game on the ground from the running backs, as PSU rushed for a total of 65 yards on 30 carries for a whopping 2.2 rushing yards.
Wide Receiver: B+
Chase Sowell has been the lone Iowa State transfer who has actually turned out to be worth the hype at this point. Sowell had a whopping 11 catches for 151 yards and a TD, and probably would’ve had more if he had a better QB throwing him the ball. Brett Eskildsen also caught three balls for 29 yards.
Tight End: C+
The tight ends in total, caught 12 balls for 78 yards as PSU, with Andrew Rappleyea leading the way with seven catches and 34 yards, as part of Taylor Mouser opting for a quicker, shorter, passing attack.
Offensive Line: C
Not the worst, but not the greatest performance ever for this group. Let’s just cut the difference and call it a C.
Defensive Line: D
Once again, there was a lack of pressure generated from the front lines, not to mention how badly they got pushed around once Bryce Underwood got benched.
Linebacker: C
Poor Tony Rojas, he could have been balling out at Miami right now helping the Hurricanes get back to the national championship game and win it all this time around. Instead, he’s stuck with putting together performances like his team-leading 12 total tackles, including two for a loss and a sack in yet another losing effort.
Secondary: A-
Michigan was held to just 90 yards passing, as Zion Tracy had an interception off a wild ricochet and Josiah Zayas had an Odell Beckham Jr.-like pick right before halftime to snuff out what likely would’ve been a scoring drive for Michigan. Speaking of Zayas, the true freshman has been one of the few bright spots on this team and deserves the biggest bag possible to keep him around in Happy Valley.
Special Teams: B+
Ryan Barker nailed his lone field goal attempt and Nathan Tiyce had a couple of nice punts to pin Michigan deep in their own red zone.
Coaching: F
Hey, did you know if your starting quarterback is struggling, looking incompetent, and absolutely holding your team back, you can bench him for somebody else? Kyle Whittingham got that memo, but apparently Matt Campbell didn’t.