Column: Can’t Run? Winning Won’t Last
Although, the Penn State Nittany Lions remain undefeated through their first three contests, there remains major cause for concern. Flip-flop a couple plays here-and-there and they could just as easily be winless. The defense has been near spectacular ranking 11th overall in points allowed (12.3 per game) while the passing game has been even better ranking 10th nationally (360.7 yards per game).
So why are they struggling to win? The running game.
Unlike their defense and passing attack, Penn State’s rushing attack ranks 120th in rush yards at a shade over 75 yards per game on the ground. This weakness exploited last week against a Rutgers defense that boasted two former 5-star recruits across their front four.
The Penn State offense accumulated just 64 yards on the ground against their new Big Ten rival on 30 carries, with Bill Belton and Christian Hackenberg carrying the majority of the load. When you only average 2.1 yards a carry and your stud quarterback carries the ball 12 times, there is a problem.
Although Rutgers knocked off FCS Howard with ease in week two, their defense gave up 259 yards on the ground. Terrence Tuson had 6 carries for 101 yards for the Bison while their quarterback racked up 69 of his own. What is astonishing about these statistics is that Howard, who may as well be considered a division two school after losing 41-0 to Akron in week 1, recorded over four times as many rushing yards as Penn State.
The Nittany Lions, who beat Akron 21-3 in week two, could not come close to Howard’s production running the football. It showed on the scoreboard as PSU only scored 13 points, ten of which coming in the fourth quarter.
So what’s the problem? The only answer lies at the heels of the offensive line.
Other then left tackle Donovan Smith, not one offensive lineman for Penn State had started a game before this season. Right tackle Andrew Nelson, guards Brendan Mahon and Brian Gaia, and center Angelo Mangiro create an o-line consisting of two sophomores, a freshman and four newbies. They were up to the challenge presented by UCF's experienced front, giving Hackenberg time to throw. However, they have left Hack to fend for himself and they haven’t opened any holes for the running backs.
What needs to happen to put Penn State back on track? First, Franklin must focus on the young and inexperienced offensive line this week against an undersized UMass squad. Penn State should be able to run the football on the Minutemen, giving the line some much needed confidence and momentum.
Second, they need to stay calm. The season is still young and the o-line, barring injury, will only improve as the season progresses. They play a Massachusetts team who has given up 654 yards on the ground in 3 games, including 338 yards to Boston College in week 1.
Then they attack a Northwestern team who has conceded 186 rushing yards to their two opponents. These games are followed by a bye giving Penn State three weeks to truly prepare to give Belton running room at Michigan.
Lastly, I expect Franklin to commit early to the run game this weekend and stick with it regardless of the outcome. He gave up on the running game immediately after it seemed like it wasn’t working against Rutgers. Franklin decided to throw the ball a whopping 56 times compared to just 18 rushing attempts against the Scarlet Knights. Penn State must return to their reliance on the run to set up the pass if they want to maintain success.
It should be an exciting ride for the Nittany Lions now that the sanctions have been lifted. They now have a chance to contend for the Big Ten title. However, they won’t even be in the conversation if they don’t turn anything around up front.
Mike Carnuccio is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him email mikeyc48@gmail.com.
