Report Card: Grading the Nittany Lions after a win against Rutgers

Report Card: Grading Penn State’s victory over Rutgers, where the defense and special teams earn high honors

Special Teams: A

Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

This was a game for the punters to shine, and Rutgers’ Adam Korsak and Penn State’s Jordan Stout proved why they are in the running for the Ray Guy Award all afternoon. Stout punted the football eight times with an average of 42.9 yards per punt to pin Rutgers deep in their end throughout the first half (six punts total inside the 20-yard line).

Penn State never really got much out of the return game this season and that continued against Rutgers. Jahan Dotson fielded two punts for a return of 11 yards. Opposing teams have done much better in their punt coverage schemes a year after Dotson was among the best punt returners in the nation. But credit Rutgers’ Korsak, who proved why he is among the best in the nation as well.

Next up for Penn State is the regular-season finale on the road next week at Michigan State. The Spartans were dominated by Ohio State in Columbus and will be looking to end their season with a win at home.

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