PENN STATE REPORT CARD

Penn State left Rutgers satisfied with the result, a 20-7 victory, but still questioning if its passing game will be right again. Here’s the report card from Rutgers. OFFENSE: C

Another retrograde day throwing the ball, with QB Trace McSorley saying, “I didn’t play well at all.” McSorley (17 for 37) certainly didn’t, and the offensive line generated no nastiness when a 3rd-and-goal play before halftime required it. Plenty of red flags for Maryland next week. DEFENSE: B+

Coach James Franklin generously referred to Rutgers’ offense as “maybe one dimensional.” The Knights only could run, which it did well in the second half with a new quarterback. Still, the Lions made 11 tackles for loss and forced three turnovers. SPECIAL TEAMS: B

A revival day for Blake Gillikin, who had punts of 70 and 67 yards, driving Rutgers deep in field position. Not much on returns, quantity or quality, though KJ Hamler did recover his own fumble. An out-of-bounds kickoff is something over which coaches seethe.

COACHING: B

Offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne tried two-back sets, receiver swing passes and some changeups at tight end to juice his group. He’s still working through situational play calling, though, and the sideline coaches can’t get their offense rolling.

OVERALL: C

A potential blowout turned blase, and now Penn State has to figure it out for Senior Day.