Penn State report card: Focus, complete effort shines in tough situation

The Nittany Lions got the kind of workout intended and needed against a five-touchdown underdog at home on Saturday.

Their growing defense fed like sharks in shallow waters.

Their offense showed off lots of versatility.

Their special teams continue to demonstrate why they are the most improved part of this team during a 56-0 victory over Georgia State.

More:Penn State passing game clicks, as run game falters again

Of course, there are still plenty of areas for improvement, starting with the play of both lines. Run blocking on offense. Needing to smother inferior opponents more thoroughly in the trenches on defense. Tweaks in the kicking game, too.

Most intriguing will how this team performs next week on the road against a team with a history for breaking their hearts.

For now, let's just say the Lions are taking care of business as expected. The best seems to be that there is plenty of room to get better.

Offense: A- 

This group needed a feel-good bounceback no matter the competition.

It received everything desired, overall, in spite of a few hiccups. The offensive line was shaken up when senior Brendan Mahon was scratched for undisclosed reason, giving redshirt freshman Will Fries his first career start at left guard.

Senior Andrew Nelson still looks rusty coming back from injury at right tackle.

But Trace McSorley settled in nicely after a shaky afternoon against Pitt. Sharp throws, impressive reads and even better results. Sure, it all came against a third-tier defense but sometimes that kind of effort is needed for confidence.

Stunning night of receiving for Saquon Barkley, who just needs to get the ball in any amount of space. Must be the best strength/speed combination ever at Penn State. 

Nice breakthroughs for do-everything backup QB Tommy Stevens and senior wideout Saeed Blacknall.

Defense: A

The Panthers showed their best stuff early, the Lions evaluating and adjusting.

Then it was all over by the third drive.

And, simply put, a shutout is a shutout.

Quarterback Conner Manning is as impressive as it gets in the Sun Belt Conference and the Lions pressured and confused him into two early interceptions that set the tone quickly.

Bonus points for senior safety Marcus Allen's first career interception and 50-yard return. Cornerback Grant Haley seems to make game-changing plays every week now.

Big favorites often don't stomp the life out of underdogs quickly and as easily as this. The Lions made sure that wasn't an issues with their deep rotation and swarming pursuit.

Drive-killing instinct improving each week.

Special teams: B+

Another solid effort was plenty even without the fireworks.

Hotshot punt returner DeAndre Thompkins did everything possible and entertained some more despite fielding one awkward knuckleball kick after another.

There's is some concern for senior kicker Tyler Davis, though. While impressing with sudden distance and hang time on kickoffs, he did miss his second uncontested field goal of the season.

He didn't miss one of those last season. Snapping and holding issues?

Coaching: B+

This game, no matter the opponent, needed to be cherished for what it was.

Bottom line? The Lions looked prepared and never wanted for energy or focus despite playing an overmatched opponent.

Most everything needed was accomplished before the first road trip and significant test of the season. They smoothly used some more playbook, including multiple packages for Stevens. Lots for upcoming defensive coordinators to ponder.

Overall: A-

Hard to argue with the outcome, particularly when attention can be so difficult to come by against such an opponent.

The Lions are beyond just earning victories and proving success to themselves. And yet they found ways to better themselves in this one, mostly on defense by gaining so much valuable field time for their long list of contributors.

About as strong of a tuneup as possible for the gauntlet that awaits.