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Penn State Football: Run game needs Trace McSorley to succeed

By Collin Wieder

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions drops back to pass during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Washington Huskies at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions drops back to pass during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Washington Huskies at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Senior signal caller Trace McSorley has to carry Penn State football’s offense next year. For that to happen, he has to aid the run game.

I’m sure that first paragraph seemed odd, as Trace McSorley helped Penn State football’s running game in each of his first two years at quarterback. However, he needs to do even more for the Nittany Lions this year. A new running back, Miles Sanders, steps into the backfield, and it’d go a long way for his confidence to have McSorley key the ground attack at times.

Through two seasons under center, McSorley rushed for 856 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. He became an instant touchdown machine, but he also relied heavily on Saquon Barkley to take the defense’s attention. During the 2017 campaign, teams regularly stacked the box with seven or eight guys and keyed on Barkley. That’d open up McSorley to break a zone read run for a long gain.

First, props to McSorley for the correct decision-making, even if it was easy, obvious reads. But, it’s highly unlikely those same defenses will sell out to stop Sanders early in 2018. Once he’s established himself, the run defense might shift over and focus on him more.

Second, his own running ability might do more to spark the offense than Sanders in the first couple games. The junior QB has worried more defensive coordinators than Sanders, so he has that reputation and draws extra attention on defense.

Furthermore, his running ability should help ease the fist year starter into his new starting role. Sanders clearly has all the tools and hype as a five-star back, but this offense is always more diverse when McSorley breaks contain or darts up the middle for a big gain.

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I’m sure a lot of fans read this and worry about him suffering injuries, but he’s savvy enough to avoid big hits. Also, it’s tough for defenses to get clean hits on him because of his compact stature.  His progression as a passer this past year solidified a big-play-or-bust offense, now he needs to bring along a young back in Sanders.

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