Penn State Nittany Lions

Michigan 49, Penn State 10: Players of the Game

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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On Saturday afternoon the Penn State Nittany Lions were throttled by the Michigan Wolverines at the Big House in Ann Arbor by a score of 49-10.

Saturday’s game was expected to be ugly. And, unfortunately for the Penn State Nittany Lions, it was just that. Fourth-ranked Michigan steamrolled the Nittany Lions by a score of 49-10.

Michigan scored early and often in Saturday’s game. Penn State’s defense was totally helpless against the Wolverine offensive attack. Penn State’s 49-10 loss to Michigan was one of the worst games the Nittany Lions have played under James Franklin.

Still, there were some positive performances by the Nittany Lions. Below you’ll find Penn State’s players of the game from Saturday’s beat down.

Offense – Running back Saquon Barkley

Saturday’s game was not a good one for the Penn State offense. The Michigan defense held a Penn State offense averaging over 35 points a game in check. Despite this, superstar running back Saquon Barkley still had a strong game.

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Barkley finished Saturday’s game with 136 yards of total offense. He was both the Nittany Lions’ leading rusher and leading receiver on Saturday. Penn State struggled to generate any type of offense at all on Sautrday. But when they did, it was due to Barkley.

There is no denying that Saquon Barkley is one of the absolute best running backs not just in the Big Ten, but in the entire FBS. Quite honestly, Barkley is one of the best players period in the entire FBS. This was on display on Saturday.

Honorable mention: WR Chris Godwin, QB Trace McSorley

Defense – Linebacker Cameron Brown

Due to injuries, ejections, and lack of depth, true freshman linebacker Cameron Brown found himself playing a huge role in Saturday’s game. In no world should he currently be playing meaningful reps in college football, but due to a variety of issues, that’s the position he finds himself in.

Much to Brown’s credit, he played well on Saturday. He showed off his athleticism, his reach, wingspan, and he played an intelligent game at linebacker. The freshman was also not afraid to get involved on plays and did not shy away from physicality. Ultimately, Brown finished the game with ten tackles.

After the game James Franklin said we will see a lot more of Brown at linebacker in the coming weeks. Personally, I am excited to see what he can do.

The current state of linebacker at Penn State is not the best. Especially until Jason Cabinda and Brandon Bell return from injury. However, due to players such as Brown and Manny Bowen the future at linebacker for Penn State is bright.

Honorable mention: S Malik Golden, DE Garrett Sickels

Special teams – Punter Blake Gillikin

True freshman punter Blake Gillikin continues to impress. He punted six times on Saturday and he averaged 45 yards per punt, including a long of 61.

Through the first 20 punts of his collegiate career, Gillikin is averaging 44.5 yards per punt. After all the problems the Nittany Lions had punting the ball in recent years Gillikin has truly been a god send this season.

Honorable mention: RB Miles Sanders, K Joey Julius

That will, mercifully, do it for this game. The Nittany Lions will regroup this week and look to bounce back when Minnesota comes to Beaver Stadium on Saturday. I would expect the Nittany Lions to be the favorites in that game.

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