Ezekiel Elliott Leads Top College Football Bowl Game Performers this Postseason

Dec 27, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) drops back to pass against the Boston College Eagles during the second quarter in the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Penn State defeated Boston College 31-30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

9. Christian Hackenberg, Quarterback, Penn State Nittany Lions

34-of-50 for 371 Yards and 4 Touchdowns

Defeated Boston College Eagles 31-30 in Overtime in Pinstripe Bowl

All season long, Christian Hackenberg has probably been the most frustrating quarterback to deal with for fans of any team. Penn State fans have had to endure lots of potential only to meet dumb decisions and terrible offensive games that led to some way too close wins and quite a few bad losses in James Franklin’s first year as head coach of the Nittany Lions.

But that all changed with an amazingly clutch performance by Hackenberg in the Pinstripe Bowl, throwing for 371 yards and 4 touchdowns along with no picks. Hackenberg led the Nittany Lions back from a 21-7 deficit in the third quarter to tie the game up, and then he led a game-tying field goal drive to get the game to overtime.

In overtime, he threw the game-winning touchdown pass to give the Nittany Lions the 31-30 victory after the extra point.

With so much young talent, this was huge for Hackenberg’s confidence. He showed he is clutch, he showed he is talented, and he showed he is mentally tough. But most of all, he showed that Penn State’s future now looks very bright.

Next: No. 8 Ranked Top Performer