Penn State yards and points rain down on Nebraska in lopsided report card

STATE COLLEGE — The Nittany Lions certainly have mastered winning at home, curing whatever problems arise.

They're now unbeaten in Beaver Stadium in back-to-back seasons for the first time in 31 years.

This time, their most balanced offense annihilated the fading Nebraska Cornhuskers when it truly mattered — despite some glaring lapses from their special teams and defense.

No matter, Penn State is 9-2 with yet another dysfunctional opponent on deck in the Maryland Terrapins.

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For the first time in a while, Trace McSorley, Saquon Barkley and their crew were lights out in all facets.

Here are your grades following the Lions' rain-swept 56-44 victory over the Huskers that wasn't nearly as close as the final score ...

Offense: A-

All of this work was certainly done against most questionable resistance.

Then again, it also looked as if the Lions weren't even playing in the rain when they had the ball.

That's how good they were during a five-touchdown stretch from the end of the first quarter to halftime. If only they didn't lose their mojo in the third quarter ...

Trace McSorley completed passes to eight receivers, which included a dominating performance by sophomore Juwan Johnson (five catches, 105 yards). McSorley also was nifty running it again, with a touchdown and 46 yards on just nine carries.

But Barkley's recovery effort was the main jump-start. His performance reminded of other great numbers days against beaten-down opponents in November. Recall Larry Johnson's streak to end 2002?

Barkley and his suddenly confident offensive line plowed through the Cornhuskers. The former Heisman Trophy leader went for 158 yards on 17 carries (9.3 per rush). Redshirt freshman tackle Will Fries gave his best performance yet.

We'll say 609 yards of offense will beat most anyone, any time.

Defense: C

A better-than-expected grade because all of that late shrapnel damage came against second- and third-teamers.

Consider that the Cornhuskers managed only 77 total yards in the first half when the game was all but decided.

What happened later? James Franklin admitted to struggling with when to pull his starters and maybe he did a little early against pass-happy Tanner Lee and those quality Nebraska receivers.

Once again, a lack of a finishing pass rush got the Lions in trouble when Lee went to work with over 300 passing yards in the second half.

Brandon Smith (13 tackles) did a fine job filling in again for suspended linebacker Manny Bowen, but the secondary was repeatedly beat late.

Special teams: C-

Often the best part of this team this season stepped on landmines from beginning to end.

A fumbled punt return and a shanked punt gifted the Cornhuskers stunningly good field position, directly leading to 10 first-quarter points.

The coverage units weren't as sharp throughout. And they weren't aggressive enough covering the late onside kick that led to the final Nebraska touchdown.

Coaching: B

The offensive line and Barkley were revving from the beginning, which set the tone for much of the evening.

For once, the Lions enforced their will up front against an inferior opponent, which made the day easier on everyone.

The only glitch was the overall effort in the second half. The Lions came out flat on both sides of the ball in the third quarter. Then, with a safe 56-24 lead, the backup defenders melted down against Lee and Nebraska's potent pass game.

You got to do something differently to keep that outcome from appearing as close as it was. Doesn't tell the whole story for a team that could use some style points.

Overall: B+

As much as Nebraska's 20-point run in the fourth quarter took the wind out of things, the Lions did exactly what they had to for most of senior day.

At least when the starters were in the game.

Give the Cornhuskers credit for not completely giving in like last week against Minnesota. They fired hard against Penn State's reserves.

But the Lions dominated a wounded opponent up front when the outcome was in doubt and did so with relative ease. Barkley was quick, decisive and productive and McSorley's pass game could have put up 80 on Nebraska if needed.

The main challenge is simply keeping everyone focused for a similar opponent Thanksgiving weekend in College Park.