Unfortunately, nothing went as expected for the Nittany Lions in their first Big Ten matchup of the season. Instead of giving Matt Campbell his first win in the Big Ten, the Nittany Lions lost in stunning fashion to Wisconsin, their first in six games to the Badgers. There were not many bright spots, except for Josiah Zayas' first career pick six that should have set the tone early for the blue and white and James Peoples' spirited attempts to get the ground game going. In an absolute stinker of a game, they are the Nittany Lions who at least showed heart as our players of the game.
Offensive Player of the Game: James Peoples
Not many running backs should be winning player of the game for only 67 yards on fourteen carries averaging 4.8 yards per tote. Still, considering how inept the Penn
State offense looked in every department, but especially on the ground, it was Peoples who looked most lively on his carries. In fact, many Penn State fans could be wondering why he hasn't been given as many touches as others in the backfield. It should be clear after today's game however, that if the Nittany Lions wish to have success on the ground, James Peoples could be the X-factor they need to spark it.
Defensive Player of the Game: Josiah Zayas
This should have been Zayas' coronation as the next great Penn State safety after guys like Zakee Wheatley and Dejuan Lane. However, his first career pcik six was marred by one play made by the Badgers at the end of the game. Otherwise, Zayas could have been the hero for the blue and white in what was somewhat of a nervy start to the game. His one-handed interception and subsequent return for a touchdown midway through the second quarter though, gave them a 10 point lead. Unfortunately for him, his offense let him down with a whimper.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Players of the game for Penn State's Week 4 loss to Wisconsin
