Penn State vs. Boston College: 5 Pinstripe Bowl Questions With Joe Micik of Soaring to Glory

Nov 29, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston College Eagles quarterback Tyler Murphy (2) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State vs. Boston College: Question #3

VBR: Penn State seems to struggle at times against running quarterbacks, which is what Boston College has. What makes Tyler Murphy so special and hard for defenses to defend?

JM: Tyler Murphy has been a great addition to this team.  He fits Steve Addazio’s offense perfectly and adds a dimension that we have rarely seen around here: mobility.  In the past, we have had the statuesque pro-style pocket passers that can only in rare instances break off a good run.  I would actually go so far as to say I trust Murphy’s legs more than his arm.  Eagles fans are very confident in him taking off and in most circumstances, we welcome it.

Murphy has good footwork and shows a nice burst of speed for a quarterback.  He has proven effective at getting a read on the situation and knowing when to run.  Knowing when to throw or not to throw is a problem, but running is a different story.  In a manner of speaking, he is the best running back on the team, and he isn’t even a running back.  Keeping him contained has troubled teams all season, and again, the Eagles’ offensive line has helped.  At times there have been some mighty big lanes in which to run, and Murphy can spot them and get to them.

Next: Question #2