Penn State postgame report card: Grading Nittany Lions vs. Northwestern

Penn State postgame report card: Grading Nittany Lions vs. Northwestern

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Penn State postgame report card: Grading Nittany Lions vs. Northwestern

Penn State had a great opportunity to get revenge in the best possible way: winning in Northwestern's new stadium almost a year after a stunning loss sent their entire season in a tailspin. Instead, this may have been Northwestern's coming out party, as the Nittany Lions suffered a much worse fate than last year's. Now, a season filled with budding potential has been lost before it even truly began. Here is what the postgame report card looks after their glaringly terrible loss to Northwestern.

Quarterback: F

Oct 2, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht (3) throws the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at New Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

This was supposed to be a performance that showed that Rocco Becht was able to move forward from the single worst career start. To prove that he was still every bit the most experienced college football QB in the nation. Instead, he was no better than last week, with the same mistakes popping up in an alarming manner. At this point, Penn State fans have to wonder if this is more than just missing what Koby Howard brought to the offense and whether or not this is the real Rocco Becht, someone who struggles against the more physical defenses in the Big Ten. Sure, his stats look inflated by his fourth-quarter production, but it is disturbing if this is the only time and situation of the game he's comfortable operating in. If this continues to be the case, prepare for yet another rough season in Happy Valley.

Running Backs: F

Oct 2, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back James Peoples (1) runs the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at New Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

A low grade always seems to be in the cards for this running back room who was supposed to provide a spark to this offense due to their differing traits. And yet somehow, they have found a way to lower their expectations. It is absolutely appalling when the leading rusher on your team only has 19 yards. There is simply nothing redeemable about that stat. This has now not just become an issue of the function of this offense, but whether or not these backs are good enough for this conference.

Receivers and Tight Ends: D-

Oct 2, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Chase Sowell (0) catches a pass against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at New Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Well, at least Chase Sowell showed some heart. While some Penn State fans are holding out hope that Howard's return can fix this mess, the fact the receivers who they brought in to produce have failed to do so is damning in its own right. Howard was a great revelation to start the season, but in all reality, it was the Iowa State transfers who were supposed to define. They haven't and as a result, I see no reason to believe that this offense will click in any subsequent game.

Defense: F

Oct 2, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Joseph Himon II (6) runs for a touchdown as Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Tony Rojas (13) tries to defend him during the first half at New Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

This is clearly not the defense that we saw over the first three weeks of the defense and quite frankly might not be for the rest of the season. Consider this: Northwestern rushed for 237 yards in the first half alone. Joseph Himon II had 137 of those yards. In the first half. And he was not even their leading rusher. That would be Caleb Komolafe, who had 188 yards. Ultimately, Northwestern ended up rushing for 415 yards for a shocking 8 yards per carry. That is simply unacceptable for a defense predicated on getting its linebackers close to the line of scrimmage to help get in the backfield. Right now, it looks like the first three weeks were just a facade.

Special Teams: D-

Sep 26, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions kicker Ryan Barker (94) watches his field goal kick during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Not even Ryan Barker could get points on the board for this offense, which was thought to be a gimme. And it's never a good thing when you send your punter out seven times, as Penn State did Nathan Tiyce. The less said about the special teams coverage and the lack of discipline in that regard, the better.

Coaching: F

Sep 19, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Matt Campbell looks at the score board during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bulls at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

The quiet thoughts about Campbell from last week's loss are now becoming ever louder for Penn State fans. This was supposed to be the guy who made amends to the culture of this team and, most importantly, get them back to national relevance. It is now clear why he was not the Nittany Lion's first choice for the job. Sure, you can say the players he brought into the program might not be up to snuff. But with Penn State's heightened resources compared to Iowa State's, he was supposed to attract more talent. Now, that talent looks like it will struggle through a lost season when the coach who believed in them could not find a way to bring it all together. Alarm bells are well and truly ringing when it comes to Matt Campbell.

Overall: F

Sep 19, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions associate head coach Terry Smith (left) stands with his players while singing their alma mater following the game against the Buffalo Bulls at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Not even the casual Penn State fans could have foreseen how low this team has sunk. In two consecutive seasons now, they've had two embarrassing losses to start their Big Ten campaign. While this team has the chance to somewhat rewrite this season's narrative, there is no reason to believe that they will based on these past two performances. What looked to be intriguing opportunities for statement wins against USC and Michigan before the season have now turned into potential nightmares about how this team will look.

Up next for Penn State

Penn State will return home to take on the No. 18 USC Trojans for their annual White Out game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET on Saturday, October 10 on NBC.

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State postgame report card: Grading Nittany Lions vs. Northwestern

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