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[ Tuesday, Oct. 27, 1998 ]
Gridiron Report
After a tortuous week of gnashing teeth and pulling hair, the Committee of Football Gurus finally has determined the midseason grades for No. 10 Penn State.
By VITO FORLENZA 
CHRIS MASSE
and DON STEWART
Collegian Staff Writers
Quarterbacks
Although Kevin Thompson and Rashard Casey each got off to rocky starts, Thompson has shown progress in the last two games and has helped the Nittany Lions' passing game improve.
In his last two games against Minnesota and Purdue, Thompson has thrown for 442 yards and two touchdowns.
Still, Thompson's early season struggles cannot be overlooked. He failed to throw for more than 150 yards in each of the Lions' first four games and his fumble in the end zone against No. 1 Ohio State swung the momentum of the game.
Running backs
Offensively, Penn State has been a running team this season. The Lion backs have averaged 185.7 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry while scoring 13 of the team's 20 touchdowns.
Penn State's success on the ground is a testament to the team's ability to rebuild itself. The departures of Curtis Enis and Anthony Cleary, along with the ineffectiveness of Aaron Harris and disappearance of Chris Eberly, have forced a group of young studs to step up.
Redshirt junior Cordell Mitchell has been the go-to player at tailback, leading the backs with 461 yards. Redshirt sophomore Mike Cerimele has five touchdowns at starting fullback. Freshman Eric McCoo, averaging 6.1 yards per carry, has emerged as a strong backup to Mitchell.
Receivers
The Penn State passing game has been slow to get off the ground this year. A new starting quarterback and lack of experience among the receivers has been a tough hurdle to leap.
Dropped passes, miscommunication and an inability to get open at times have plagued the receivers. As a unit, they only have four touchdown receptions.
There have been good signs, however, such as the emergence of Corey Jones and the improved play of senior Joe Nastasi. Redshirt junior Chafie Fields has stepped up to lead the team with 17 receptions.
Offensive line
In the season's first showcase, tackle Floyd Wedderburn was tabbed the Lions' Player of the Game as the line gave Thompson and Casey ample time to find receivers. Since then, the line has been steady, allowing only 10 sacks while helping the Lion running backs average 186 yards per game.
In the Lions' 31-13 victory over Purdue, the line allowed just one sack and helped Eric McCoo run for a career-high 163 yards.
Defensive line
Penn State's swarming pass rush has limited the effectiveness of opposing passing games all season. The Lions also are ranked fifth in the nation against the run. Defensive ends Brad Scioli and Courtney Brown are turning heads with seven and six and a half sacks, respectively. Redshirt freshman Bob Jones has stepped up to anchor the interior line, along with second-year starter David Fleischhauer.
Linebackers
When looking for a reason as to why the Lions possess the third-ranked defense in the conference, look no further than this corps.
Two of the starting three, LaVar Arrington and Brandon Short, are among 10 finalists for the Butkus Award. Of the Lions' conference-leading 29 sacks, the starting group, which also features the versatile Mac Morrision, has knocked opposing quarterbacks for 11.5.
As a group it has helped stifle opposing running games and has the ability to alter an opposing team's offensive attack.
Secondary
At times the secondary has been picked apart by the likes of Joe Germaine and Drew Brees, but it has shown an ability to prevent the big play.
Cornerback David Macklin has been solid, reeling in three interceptions. Fellow cornerback Anthony King has been victimized frequently but has been a plus against the run, ranking third on the team with 23 tackles.
Special teams
Throughout the Lions' first three games, the special teams provided some sparkling performances, including Bruce Branch's 73-yard punt return for a touchdown against Bowling Green.
In the last three games, however, the unit has been a liability. A blocked punt against Ohio State resulted in a Buckeye touchdown. Things hit a low point against Purdue when Branch fumbled a punt return and Travis Forney had two of his field goals attempts blocked.
