EAST LANSING, MI– Earlier this week, Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith was asked to evaluate his performance through three games in the new role.
“It took me three weeks to accomplish getting the ball thrown down the field,” was how Smith started his answer, “so I wish I could have got that done sooner.”
Fans clamored all season for Penn State to throw the ball down the field, and in the second half of last week’s game at Indiana, it happened.
That momentum carried over into Michigan State, where Ethan Grunkemeyer hit Devonte Ross for a 75-yard touchdown.
It was the longest touchdown pass of Grunkemeyer’s career, and it was Ross’ longest catch of the season, topping a 67-yard catch-and-run against Northwestern Oct. 11.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Ross did have a 98-yard reception at Troy last season, which is another example of his ability to be a vertical passing threat.
When Smith was asked why it took a while for Penn State to get the vertical passing game going, he gave an honest answer.
“I didn’t know I was going to be the head coach. I didn’t know where we were weak, and I didn’t really know our offense,” Smith said. “I didn’t know what to look for. I was a defensive guy that minded my own business. And now that I’m responsible, I can see things from a different lens, and I see where we need help and where we need transition, and now I’m able to identify and address these things.”
Penn State has a deep passing game now, and the offense has looked much better as a result.
