Blue White Illustrated

GAME GRADES QUARTERBACKTrace McSorley has put up some solid numbers this season, but statistically, this was easily his best game of the year, as he completed 17 of 23 attempts and threw for 376 yards and four touchdowns. It's hard to sur- pass a 268.6 passer rating. GRADEA+ RUNNING BACKSaquon Barkley ap- peared to have rolled his ankle in the third quarter, so that will be something to watch next week. Overall, there was- n't much of a rushing game today (77 total yards), but that was mainly be- cause the offensive line didn't get much push up front. GRADEB RECEIVERPenn State's receivers have struggled to create separation this sea- son, but that wasn't much of an issue against Michigan State. Even when they weren't open, they pulled in some ex- cellent catches. This was probably the best overall performance by this unit all season. Chris Godwin led Penn State with five receptions for 135 yards and two touchdowns. GRADEA+ OFFENSIVE LINEPenn State had a tough time opening holes for the run- ning backs, but the linemen did a great job in pass protection, as McSorley was given plenty of time to complete deep passes in the second half. The Lions will have to improve in the rushing game next weekend against Wisconsin, but give them credit for stepping up in the second half. GRADEB DEFENSIVE LINEThe defensive front was pushed around a bit early in the game, but as has been the case all sea- son, Penn State's rotation got the best of Michigan State as the game pro- gressed. Garrett Sickels led the unit with eight tackles. GRADEB LINEBACKER Brandon Bell had an- other elite performance, racking up 18 tackles in his final game at Beaver Sta- dium. Jason Cabinda and Manny Bowen were also consistently in the right place. GRADEA DEFENSIVE BACKMichigan State found space early in the game, but quarterback Tyler O'Connor and his offense couldn't do much in the second half. GRADEB SPECIAL TEAMSBlake Gillikin had multiple punts inside the 20-yard line, including one in the third quarter that was spotted at the 2. Place kicker Tyler Davis converted his only attempt, while the kick-coverage units all did their job. GRADEA COACHING Defensive coordinator Brent Pry made some excellent adjust- ments at halftime, as Penn State's de- fense shut down the Spartans in the second half. Joe Moorhead also called a great game, setting up multiple big plays in the passing game. GRADEA+ CROWDThe students who made the trip were great, but the fact that so many were missing meant that the at- mosphere was pretty dull by Beaver Stadium standards. Official atten- dance: 97,418. GRADEB N O V E M B E R 2 6 , 2 0 1 6 B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . c O M 6 R Y A N S N Y D E R | S N Y D E R 4 2 0 8 8 @ G M A I L . c O M Godwin had an outstand- ing game against Michi- gan State, finishing with five catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns. Photo by Steve Manuel

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