Penn State Football: Position Grades versus Appalachian State
By Dylan Burd
Running Backs
If you turned on the TV at anytime throughout the week, all the commentators and analysts seemed to be so worried about how Penn State would replace Saquon Barkley. After week one, it’s very clear that running back is not going to be an issue for Penn State.
Junior Miles Sanders, who sat behind Saquon Barkley for two years, ran for 91 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. One of those rushing touchdowns was the game-winner in overtime. Sanders also had three receptions for 20 yards.
Freshman Ricky Slade and senior Mark Allen helped out Miles Sanders combining for 63 yards on 11 carries. Slade also had his first career rushing touchdown late in the third quarter that went for 27 yards. Mark Allen caught three passes for 18 yards in addition to his rushing totals.
It’s clear that after all three running backs combined for 154 rushing yards, this position won’t be an issue for the Nittany Lions going forward.