Penn State-Syracuse Game Recap: Christian Hackenberg Shines in Debut

Aug 31, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) under center during the second quarter against the Syracuse Orange at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State true freshman QB Christian Hackenberg was criticized by many outside of the Penn State circles, mainly because most thought the young gunslinger should have bolted from his commitment when the Penn State sanctions were handed down. They felt he wouldn’t be happy in a place that the NCAA had just tried to cripple. Hackenberg, however, insisted that Happy Valley would be the place where he would be just that–happy.

Well, if his debut on Saturday against Syracuse was any indicator, he wasn’t lying because he sure played like someone who’s more than happy to be with the program that he’s with.

Hackenberg and his Penn State squad took down the Syracuse Orange inside Metlife Stadium in the Meadowlands, holding off a late ‘Cuse surge by a score of 23-17. The young freshman certainly contributed his fair share to that outcome.

Fueled by the return of star receiver Allen Robinson following a first-half suspension, Hackenberg showed flashes of exactly why he’s the former top-ranked pro-style prospect in the country. He continually showed tremendous poise in the pocket and great awareness of what was going on around him. It’s more than obvious to tell that Bill O’Brien is his head coach.

Penn State’s true freshman signal caller finished the game 22-of-31 for 273 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. His most impressive play came on the late game-sealing touchdown strike to Geno Lewis, a beautifully executed, 54-yard TD strike that Hackenberg laid out for Lewis in stride.

But for all the good, there was some bad–as evidenced by the two interceptions stat mentioned above. Both were the freshman’s fault, but both were instances that can be worked on in practices as the youngster continues to develop. The first pick–which occurred in the first half–came about as Hackenberg blankly stared down his wide receiver following a play-action call. The second–in the fourth quarter–was a clear misread by the freshman of a Syracuse linebacker sitting over the middle.

Again though, Penn State fans need to remember that he is still a freshman and these mistakes are going to happen as part of his development process.

All in all though, this was a performance to be more than optimistic about. Christian Hackenberg, for only making his first start, was certainly as good as advertised.