Pro Football Focus gives out Ohio State-Penn State grades
Penn State delivered the upset of the day yesterday when No. 2 Ohio State came into town and lost, 24-21.
Pro Football Focus, who grades every player from every game – collegiate or pro – announced its grades this morning for both the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions.
Here’s what PFF’s Ben Stockwell said about both teams:
Penn State Nittany Lions
Quarterback grade: Trace McSorley, 71.4
The headline figures for McSorley were not impressive: a completion percentage below 35 percent, less than seven yards per attempt and only eight completions. However, McSorley’s performance was better than his numbers would suggest, particularly considering the pressure he was under. Pressured on nearly 50 percent of his dropbacks, he picked up his touchdown pass under pressure and added 36 yards on eight scrambles to dig the Nittany Lions out of the hole his left tackle was often trying to put him in. After a rough start to conference play against Michigan and Minnesota, McSorley has put in two solid displays for Penn State, even if his box-score stats suggest he is yet to turn the corner.
Top offensive grades:
RT Brendan Mahon, 87.6
C Brian Gaia, 79.7
RB Saquon Barkley, 73.3
WR Saeed Blacknall, 67.7
WR Chris Godwin, 56.0
Ohio State Buckeyes
Quarterback grade: J.T. Barrett, 75.5
So much of J.T. Barrett’s performance was assured, accurate and kept the Ohio State offense ticking, but what was lacking for Barrett was a single big play that might have turned this game in Ohio State’s favor. The lack of that big play kept the Nittany Lions hanging around, and ultimately, the pressure surrendered by his offensive line ensured that after the blocked field goal touchdown return that gave Penn State the lead in the fourth quarter, the shell-shocked Buckeyes couldn’t recover. Barrett completed a lot of passes in the short and intermediate range but couldn’t deliver deep last night. Pressured on more than 50 percent of his dropbacks, he went 0-for-4 on deep balls and could only pick up two gains of 10 yards or more on the ground, as the Penn State pass rush ultimately limited his impact on the game.
Top offensive grades:
RG Billy Price, 77.5
RB Curtis Samuel, 74.3
C Pat Elflein, 67.6
TE Marcus Baugh, 66.1
WR Terry McLaurin, 60.8
The best offensive day according to Pro Football Focus came from Penn State’s right tackle, Brendan Mahon, posting a 87.6 rating. For the Buckeyes, no player scored over 77.5.
The top defensive grades and full analysis from Stockwell can be read here.