Penn State Football: 3 keys to bouncing back vs. Nebraska

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Nov 7, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Devyn Ford (28) runs with the ball as Maryland Terrapins linebacker Fa’Najae Gotay (L) defends during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

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It feels like the media and fans are beating this like a dead horse, but the Penn State running game has been nonexistent in 2020.

Franklin released heartbreaking news Wednesday night when he announced Journey Brown would be retiring from football due to a heart condition, endng any hope of Brown coming back this season.

Penn State football was once again anemic on the ground Saturday, rushing for 94 yards on 36 carries. Sophomore Devyn Ford and freshman Coziah Holmes got the bulk of the carries with nine each. After the game, Franklin cited a lack of ground game as a reason for the loss.

"“We weren’t able to get the running game going, and that continues to be an issue for us,” Franklin said of his offense’s struggles Saturday night. We gotta be able to get the running game going and we gotta protect our quarterback,” Franklin said."

Nebraska ranks tenth in the the Big Ten in rushing defense, allowing 182 yards per game. Northwestern ran for 148 yards on the Huskers Saturday. As ineffective as Clifford has been at times, the lack of any type of running game is not helping.

The RPO that offensive coordinator Krik Ciarrocca is known for lacks effectiveness when the play action does not threaten a defense. Both freshmen backs are intriguing prospects for this year and beyond, look for them to become a bigger part of this offense. If Penn State can get the running game working, it should open up things for Clifford and the passing game.

Next. 6 young Nittany Lions who should get more playing time. dark

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