Takeaways and Grades: PSU v Idaho Report Card

The Takeaways:

Clifford Looks Ready

After a bit of a shaky start (1-4, 6 yards) in back-to-back drives within his own 40, Clifford settled down to the tune of 280 passing yards and 2 TD’s on 14 completions in 23 attempts. Including this beaut’ to KJ:

And if you read my previous piece, you’d know one of the main concerns with Sean was his athleticism. He had a good start to his silencing campaign on that front. The Ohio native rushed for 57 yards on 7 attempts, showing off his speed on this run:

All in all, Cliff showed great poise in the pocket and a special connection to WR KJ Hamler. Let’s hope he continues to progress against Buffalo next week.

How Did VTech let Stout go?

What in the world is wrong with the Virginia Tech Hokies’ football program? How in the heck could they not find a scholarship for Jordan Stout? The Touchback God lived up to his nickname by booming 12/13 kickoffs through the endzone. But, Nittany Nation learned something different yesterday afternoon. The BTN broadcast team revealed that during the coaches conference call with the PSU staff, James Franklin disclosed an interesting detail: Jordan Stout will kick all field goals beyond 50 yards in 2019. Jordan handled his first test brilliantly, nailing a 53-yarder with ease. Yesterday, Hokies fans had something else to be upset about other than their L to Boston College.

This Defense Could Be Elite

Robert Windsor, Antonio Shelton, and Jan Johnson. Those are the only 3 starters on PSU’s 2019 defense who were not blue-chip prospects. But, they’re all backed up by former blue chips. In fact, every single position on the Lions’ defense has a second-string player who was a 4-star prospect. Yesterday, that defense showed its pedigree, slamming down 7 sacks, 11 TFL, and one interception. This defense is young, deep, experienced, and will only get better throughout the season.

The Grades:

Offense

673 total yards. 79 points. 7 different players caught or rushed for touchdowns. So why not an A-plus? Well, aside from the first two drives being absolute duds, Penn State was plagued by a similar 2018 infection: the Lions were 1-8 on third-down conversions. That can’t continue if PSU plans on being elite. If you can’t convert third downs against Idaho, you won’t do so against Michigan or Ohio State.

Grade: A

Defense

If I could give an extra plus, I would. The defense was absolutely outstanding, and Idaho didn’t get a first down until the second quarter. The Lions “D” allowed a mere 145 total yards, including a minuscule 4 rushing yards. Yes, four. All Penn State fans should be excited for Brent Pry’s unit in 2019, because if Saturday was any indication, the Big Ten best be ready.

Grade: A+

Special Teams

This unit was extremely impressive, with Pinegar going 2/2 on FG attempts, and not missing a single extra point in a game where his team scored 10 times. As mentioned above, Jordan Stout did his thing. But, Mac Hippenhammer fumbled not one, but two punts. That needs to be cleaned up. But overall, a good debut for Joe Lorig’s boys.

Grade: B+

Overall Grade: A-

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