How can Penn State Football replace Noah Cain?

Oct 26, 2019; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) hands the ball off to running back Noah Cain (21) during the first quarter of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 4

BLOOMINGTON, IN – OCTOBER 24: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions pats the rear end of Caziah Holmes #26 before a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Bloomington, Indiana. Indiana won 36-35 overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3. Trust the Freshmen

Both freshmen running backs Keyvone Lee and Caziah Holmes saw action after Cain went down. Lee was the more impressive of the two, picking up 35 yards on six carries. He’s a physical runner like Cain, making him the ideal replacement.

Holmes gained 16 yards on five carries, he did fumble, but it was recovered the offense. He’s a guy who thrives in open space, so look for offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca to find creative ways to get him involved.

James Franklin has never been afraid to use freshmen running backs, and this year is no different, except there’s more pressure on them this time.

Home/Penn State Football