Penn State 2014 Spring Game: Live Game Grades, Analysis for the Nittany Lions

The Penn State Nittany Lions closed out their spring camp on Saturday with the annual Blue-White scrimmage, and fans came out in droves.

The "game" placed the Blue squad, made up primarily of first- and second-string players against the White squad, which included everyone else.

Blue won in a blowout, but the score wasn't relevant.

How did James Franklin's crew do in their public debut?

POSITIONAL UNIT	FIRST HALF GRADE	FINAL GRADE
Pass Offense	B-	B+
Rush Offense	B	B
Pass Defense	A	B
Rush Defense	B	A
Special Teams	I	I
Coaching	A	A

First-half analysis for the Nittany Lions

Pass Offense: Christian Hackenberg looked good on some intermediate routes but just missed Geno Lewis when he got behind the defense. D.J. Crook was average with a decent supporting staff. Looks like the running back screen might be a part of the offense again. Michael O'Connor might have the backup quarterback spot locked up.

Run Offense: Cole Chiappialle and Dom Salomone have looked like the best two running backs so far. Ton of wildcat formations today. 

Pass Defense: DaQuan Davis just missed a pick-six on a screen pass attempt to DaeSean Hamilton. Blue team (first string) has been getting steady pressure. C.J. Olaniyan (2.5) and Anthony Zettel have recorded sacks. Ryan Keiser had a big pick late off of Crook.

Run Defense: Staunch on both sides. Zettel is as disruptive as advertised. Could have an all-conference type season.

Special Teams: Sam Ficken made a short field goal. All kicks and punts are being played with no opposition. Chris Gulla is getting good hang time on his punts.

Coaching: Bill Belton lined up in the Wildcat on the second play of the game. Doubt we'll see that much in the UCF game, but it gives George O'Leary and company something to think about. Franklin led a "We Are!" chant between first and second quarters, and the crowd went nuts.

Keith Srakocic

Final game analysis for the Nittany Lions

Pass Offense: The biggest pass play of the day was a 56-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Geno Lewis to wide receiver Matt Zanellato. That pretty much sums up the passing game.

Run Offense: Cole Chiappialle had a strong showing, rushing for two touchdowns. Lynch, Belton and Zach Zwinak totaled three carries.

Pass Defense: Ryan Keiser, Trevor Williams and Matthew Baney each had interceptions, and none of the quarterbacks got into a rhythm. Give credit to the D.

Run Defense: Hard to judge the run defense as a whole when the top two ball-carriers were Chiappialle and Jack Haffner. They did their job, though.

Special Teams: Ficken made a field goal but missed an extra point. No pressure was put on the kickers by the defense.

Coaching: Not much to judge them on today. Fans showed up in droves today, and everybody will probably be healthy tomorrow. That's all you can ask for.

Game will be aired at 6 p.m. on BTN.