Report Card: Grading Penn State’s win over Ball State

The grades are in and Penn State earned high marks for its win over Ball State in Week 2

Defense: A+

Sep 11, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Jesse Luketa (40) celebrates with his teammates after intercepting the ball and scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Ball State Cardinals at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ball State 44-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

It’s pretty hard to pick out the struggles of this game. This defense was unstoppable the entire game. It’s always more than just one player showing out at a time. This team definitely came in with a chip on their shoulders after the targeting ejection by Ellis Brooks from last week. Penn State entered this season as the 19th ranked team in the country. They entered today as number 11. With some upsets today, we can expect the Nittany Lions to be a top 10 team in the country leading into next week. It really all started with the defense this season. They are starting to prove why Penn State should be a team that should be taken more seriously.

WATCH: Jesse Luketa snags INT with one hand, returns it for TD vs Ball State

NEXT: Special teams improve