Blue-White Game Grades
Score: Blue 37 – White 0
Quarterbacks: B
Last year’s Big Ten Freshman of the Year Christian Hackenberg will enter the 2014 season with huge expectations. On Saturday, Hackenburg played only the first quarter and completed four of his 10 passes for a total of 43 yards.
Not flashy numbers, but Hackenberg’s passes were all in the area of his receivers and he did not force the issue. At 14 pounds heavier, Hackenberg showcased his strong arm, just overthrowing wide receiver Geno Lewis by an inch on a deep ball.
Highly touted freshman quarterback and likely backup, Michael O’Connor, had the most impressive day, completing 11 of his 16 passes for 81 yards. O’Connor is also a big-bodied quarterback and possesses a strong arm.
The only touchdown pass on the day came on a 56-yard reverse pass from wide receiver Eugene Lewis.
Running Backs: B+
The meat of Penn State’s rushing attack from last year had limited action. Zach Zwinak did not participate and Bill Belton only carried the ball one time for one yard. Akeel Lynch carried the ball twice for nine yards and a touchdown. Lynch also had two receptions for 16 yards.
Penn State displayed the wildcat formation on many occasions, mostly with sophomore running back Cole Chippiale. Chippiale rushed the ball nine times for 63 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 17 yards.
It appears that the Nittany Lions will enter this season with a plethora of quality running backs.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: B-
No one showed signs of becoming the go-to target, to replace Allen Robinson this season, but as a whole, the receivers had a productive day. Matt Zanellato had the only receiving touchdown, a 56-yard reverse pass, which completely fooled the defense. Six receivers reeled in two catches for the Lions and tight end Kyle Carter had the most with four catches for 34 yards.
Tight end Adam Brennan did not participate due to a knee bruise that will keep him sidelined for the rest of the spring.
Offensive Line: C-
The offensive line is by far Penn State’s glaring weakness at this point.
Donning gray jerseys, only 10 linemen suited up for the intra-squad scrimmage and gave up nine sacks. Center Wendy Laurent and converted guard Brian Gaia did not finish the game due to injuries. If Penn State wants to have a good season, they will need to see major improvement from this unit.
Defensive Line: A+
Probably the Nittany Lions deepest position this season. They took advantage of a depleted offensive line on the other side of the ball. The defensive line accounted for eight of the total nine sacks on the day.
C.J. Olaniyan was most impressive with 2.5 sacks and another .5 tackle for a loss. Deion Barnes, Tyrone Smith, Garret Sickels, Anthony Zettel, Carl Nassib, and Tarrow Barney all recorded a sack. The Blue team, which was comprised of the first team defense, only gave up a total of 19 yards rushing.
Linebackers: C+
A position of question regarding depth on the defensive side of the ball for Penn State this upcoming season, showed signs of life. Mike Hull has shifted to middle linebacker and is making all the calls for the defense. Hull had limited action and recorded a tackle.
Potential starters Gary Wooten and Brandon Bell were both part of tackles for a loss. Matthew Barney picked off quarterback Austin Whipple for a 28-yard touchdown. Nyeem Wartman, also a potential starter, did not play.
Defensive Backs: B-
The Blue team only gave up 75 yards receiving. The secondary accounted for two of the team’s three interceptions. Cornerback Trevor Williams picked off a pass and returned it 28 yards.
Safety Ryan Keiser also recorded an interception for Penn State and safety Adrian Amos provided excellent pass coverage. The defensive backs should also be a strong suit for the Lions on defense.
Special Teams: C-
The game did not feature live return plays punter. Kicker Sam Ficken converted his only field goal attempt from 26 yards. Ficken also missed an extra point due to a bad snap that holder Keiser could not handle. Punter Chris Gulla only averaged 39 yards per punt.
Crowd A+
James Franklin was asking for a crowd of 70,000 to show up for his first Blue-White Game as head coach. Penn State fans didn’t disappoint with a confirmed attendance over 72,000. Fans were excited to see the Franklin era get underway, but per usual the seats thinned out well before the conclusion of the ball game.
Matt Bortner is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. Contact him at mrb5572@psu.edu.
Photo Courtesy: Keith Srakocic, Associated Press
