Penn State’s offense didn’t get enough from Rocco Becht against Wisconsin, and head coach Matt Campbell didn’t try to hide that on Tuesday.
Becht, who arrived at Penn State after a three-year run as Iowa State’s starter, has put together a massive body of work over his career: 10,139 passing yards and 10,660 total yards. Saturday’s matchup with Wisconsin was his 43rd career start, but the numbers from the 24-20 loss were rough. He finished 12 of 29 for 114 yards, didn’t throw a touchdown, and his third-quarter interception turned into a Wisconsin field goal.
With Penn State (3-1) set to play Northwestern (2-1) on Friday night in Evanston, Campbell pointed to missed chances around the quarterback rather than placing the entire performance on Becht alone.
“There were opportunities for guys to make plays,” Campbell said.
He also said, “There were moments Rocco played really good football and Rocco would tell you, there was moments, man, his consistency needed to be better in the football game, as well.”
The bigger issue for the Lions was what happened after halftime. Penn State managed just three points in the second half, and the offense sputtered through four straight three-and-out possessions late in the game.
Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser said Becht’s performance left plenty of frustration in the room.
“I think everybody walked out of that game and felt like there was a lot more that they could do,” Mouser said of Becht.
Mouser also took responsibility for not getting the quarterback settled early.
“I didn’t do a good enough job getting him in rhythm. … He’s a 10,000-yard passer.
I’ve been with him for three years. I know good he is.
“When it’s not working, I’m going to always put it on myself because I know how talented he is and the way that he prepares.”
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