Report Card: Grading Penn State’s lopsided win over Maryland

The grades are in for Penn State in the postgame report card following a decisive victory over Maryland

Special Teams

Nov 12, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions punter Barney Amor (96) prepares to punt the ball during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: A

Penn State didn’t have any kickoff returns, but that’s what happens when the other team doesn’t score. And the punt return game netted -3 yards with [autotag]Marquis Wilson[/autotag] gaining one yard on one return and Parker Washington being dropped for -4 yards on his two returns. The lack of special teams returns leading to big moments hasn’t been there all season for Penn State.

Fortunately, the kicking game was strong in this one. Punter [autotag]Barney Amor[/autotag] punted three times with an average of just 37.3 yards per punt, but two of those punts were downed deep in Maryland’s end inside the 20-yard line, and the other was a 53-yard boomer.

And kicker Jake Pinegar was flawless with three made field goal tries highlighted by a 50-yarder and a 46-yarder in the first half.

Penn State will look to keep things rolling in November next week when they travel to Rutgers.

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