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Christian Hackenberg Could Overtake Goff By Beating Ohio State

By Erik Lambert

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Oct 3, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) drops back to pass against the Army Black Knights during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Jared Goff got his first real opportunity to show that he is unquestionably the best quarterback in the 2016 NFL draft class when he led Cal against Utah.  While he did throw some excellent passes that evening, he also threw five interceptions that cost his team the game 30-24.  There is no getting around the fact that it was an ugly performance on the big stage, something teams are sure to take note of moving forward.

Now the focus will shift to his top competition, most notably Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg.  The junior quarterback has overcome a rough start to the season and played some of his best football the past few weeks including a complete effort of two touchdowns in the air and two on the ground against Indiana.

There is no denying his talent, but thus far the young man has faced limited competition.  No ranked teams at all.  That is set to change this coming Saturday when he leads the Nittany Lions against powerhouse Ohio State, the #1 team in the country.  A team loaded with future pro prospects, particularly on defense.  It is a trial by fire for any quarterback, but also could be a major proving ground.

Hackenberg is still very much in the discussion for being a top pick in the 2016 draft.  What he lacks are good performances (and wins) against great teams.  How different would scouts and NFL teams look at him if he were to lead Penn State to victory over the reigning national champions?

Suffice to say it could catapult him into the conversation of not only being the first quarterback off the board next April, but possibly even the #1 overall pick.  That’s bragging rights and millions of dollars at stake.  Certainly plenty of motivation.

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