Midweek Musings – Signs of Progress

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Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht has had an up-and-down season, to say the least. After leading the team to a 3-0 start, Becht fell apart against Wisconsin and made some minor improvements against Northwestern, though it was far too little to be of much use to the team. In those two games – both losses – Becht was a combined 38 of 70, good for a 54.3% completion percentage, totaling 357 yards, with 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions.

Things got a little better against USC, as he completed 21 of 32 passing attempts, at a 65.6% completion rate, with 1 TD. His rating improved game over game from 67.5 to 111.5 up to 151.8 in the last game. This isn’t to say he was great – there were at least a couple misfires either into the crowd or behind his intended target, but at least progress was made and his play wasn’t necessarily a liability.

Now, some would argue that that was the USC defense, not known for being particularly staunch, and I’d certainly agree with you, at least to an extent. But there’s been a lot of talk about playing at Penn State potentially being a bit much for the Iowa State transfers, and in the biggest game and the most over the top atmosphere possible in the White Out, he played well.

Rather than simply locking on to one receiver at a time – typically tight end Brett Brahmer but also wide receiver Chase Sowell – Becht spread the ball around. 7 receivers caught passes against USC, with tight end Andrew Rappleyea being the standout with 7 catches.

Time will tell if this was just a one-game hiccup, or if perhaps Rocco is finally settling in at Penn State. The next test against Michigan will be the hardest one yet, and potentially the hardest all season. If we see a return to his play like Wisconsin and Northwestern, then we’ll likely have our answer. But if he’s able to move the ball and find multiple receivers like he did against USC, it will be evidence of his evolution just this season in the Blue and White.

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