Blue White Illustrated

SUMMARY WILKERSON QUARTERBACKS Steven Bench and Tyler Ferguson posted almost identical statistics, and they shared time with run-ons Austin Whipple and D.J. Crook. The real drama here took place well after the game ended. GRADE B Play of the Game RUNNING BACKS Akeel Lynch and Deron Thompson combined for 180 yards, and their impressive running was easily the best part of the Blue-White Game. GRADE A RECEIVERS Nice touchdown catches by Jesse James and newcomer Richy Anderson highlighted this unit's performance. GRADE B OFFENSIVE LINE With so much substitution going on throughout the game, it was tough to get a read on the line's development. But that's always the case in the spring game. GRADE B DEFENSIVE LINE That C.J. Olaniyan was named the team's most improved defensive player was as encouraging a sign as anything that happened on the field Saturday. The Lions need another big-time pass rusher to complement Deion Barnes. The 6-foot-3, 256-pound junior could fit the bill. GRADE B Steve Manuel the front right pylon of the end zone early in the fourth quarter was equally impressive. BEST EFFORT Defensive tackle Kyle Baublitz reached up on fourth-and-3 midway through the second quarter to knock Bench's pass out of the air, stopping the White's momentum. BEST DECISION Bill O'Brien starting a "We are..." chant to open the second half was one of the more unusual experiences in Blue-White Game history. WORST DECISION Though preventing injuries is a near impossibility, apparently, playing projected starting running back Zach Zwinak wasn't the best idea, as the redshirt junior left the field after only two carries with an injured wrist. MOST TELLING MOMENT Bill Belton was one of many players not dressed for the afternoon's contest. Priority No. 1 was staying healthy this spring, and with Brandon Moseby-Felder, Kyle Carter, Garry Gilliam, Adam Breneman, DaQuan Jones and Ben Kline joining Belton in street clothes on the sideline – among others – that point could not have been more apparent. – NATE BAUER LINEBACKERS Ron Vanderlinden's top priority on this day was to keep everyone healthy. Mission accomplished. GRADE B DEFENSIVE BACKS It was hard for anyone to stand out, although Jordan Lucas had nice pass break-up, and run-on cornerback Jesse Merise alertly intercepted a tipped ball. GRADE B SPECIAL TEAMS This was easily the most unrevealing part of the Blue-White Game, and that's saying something. Richy Anderson returned the opening kickoff. Other than that, the only noteworthy developments were a couple of misses by Sam Ficken: a PAT and a 37-yard field goal. GRADE C COACHES Bill O'Brien was no doubt watching his words very carefully in the third quarter, when he was miked up so that the entire stadium could hear his sideline patter. The running commentary was a lot of fun and more than made up for the baffling scoring system. GRADE A Flatbread www.thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu 814-863-5080

• Cover