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Upon further review: Examining Penn State’s 29-7 win vs. Indiana

By Audrey Snyder/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 8 years ago

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s offense looked more creative than they have at any point this season during the Lions’ 29-7 win against Indiana. Like any game it wasn’t — and will never be— perfect, but Penn State was much more aggressive on offense, taking deep shots down the field from the get go. 

Christian Hackenberg completed 21-of-39 passes for 262 yards and was able to hang in and deliver despite taking four sacks. The Lions’ pass catchers had some drops early on that killed momentum and hurt Hackenberg’s numbers, but what No. 14 did with his feet helped the offense’s cause too. Hackenberg finished with a 5 yard and a 1-yard rushing touchdown and also had a career long 22-yard scamper. 

“I love watching him run,” receiver DaeSean Hamilton said. “He has a little bit of juice in him so he’s fast too. When those zone plays aren’t going so well or when the pocket starts to break down and he takes off, it’s really nice to see.” 

Redshirt freshman running back Nick Scott, who got the start with Akeel Lynch and Saquon Barkley missing their second consecutive game due to injury, said Hackenberg came back to the huddle breathing heavily after the 22-yard run. 

“I said to him, ‘You didn’t get 22 carries, it was just 22 yards,” Scott said. 

Hackenberg’s celebration after the bootleg touchdown didn’t look too smooth however as tight end Mike Gesicki caught his QB off guard and he jumped up and went to celebrate with him. Hack fell to the ground.  

“I wasn’t ready for it,” Hackenberg said with a laugh. “I was kind of out of breath. I didn’t know what he was doing.” 

Rough go for Big Toe

Kicker Joey “Big Toe” Julius missed two extra points and booted a kick out of bounds in the first quarter. Tyler Davis came on to hit a 30-yard field goal in the fourth quarter and it looks like the close kicking competition everyone heard about it camp is far from over after Julius’ struggles Saturday. 

“We missed two extra points, you put the next guy in,” Franklin said. 

Neither of Penn State’s kickers are on scholarship and with scholarship specialist Quinn Nordin verbally pledged to Penn State both kickers this season have one shot to prove that they can be reliable options long term. Franklin stressed consistency with his punters and kickers and Saturday was by far Julius’ worst performance of the season. The staff will keep a close eye on both kickers in practice this week and see who is the best option heading into next week’s game at Columbus. 

In addition to Julius’ struggles Penn State also failed to recover an onside kick the Hoosiers’ caught them off guard with in the first half. Punter Chris Gulla wasn’t dressed for the game and Daniel Pasquariello, who was replaced by Gulla earlier this season, came back on.

Andrew Nelson returns to the field

Penn State’s offensive line received a boost from a healthy Andrew Nelson who saw his first game action since the end of the first half against Buffalo on Sept. 12. Nelson started at right tackle while Paris Palmer remained at left tackle. Brendan Mahon moved back from right tackle to left guard, his more natural position and Derek Dowrey came in to spell him.  

“There’s always room for improvement,” Nelson said. “I felt maybe a little rusty, but for the most part not too bad.” 

WR Brandon Polk’s role expanding

He’s been running the jet sweep since he was nine and freshman receiver Brandon Polk has been called upon to do the same thing this season too. James Franklin said as the season continued they would expand Polk’s role within the offense as he continues becoming more comfortable and growing and this week he was a vertical passing threat too. 

Polk hauled in a 39-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter to put Penn State on the board. He became Penn State’s first receiver since Derrick Williams did so in 2008 to record a rushing and a receiving touchdown in the same season. 

“I do think the speed sweeps as well as the fake sweeps and the handoffs give something to the defense, pause.” Franklin said. “He’s got such speed and he’s so sudden with his movements that if you’re not sound, he is going to get on the edge of you. … His package, a long as he knows what he’s doing and is confident with his assignments, can continue to grow.”

Does James Franklin work out?

James Franklin runs up and down the sideline, but beyond that he said he usually doesn’t have time to work out. He was asked about this during his post-game news conference.  

“I actually look decent, but when I take my shirt off it’s somewhat disgusting,” Franklin said. “I’m a skinny fat guy and I need to do something. The staff tries tot get on the treadmill or do something, but every time I say I’m going to do it something comes up. I need to get some exercise, but I appreciate you saying that.”

Audrey Snyder: asnyder@post-gazette.com and Twitter @audsnyder4.