Penn State Football 2021: 5 reasons for optimism, 4 reasons to worry

Reason for Optimism #3 – The Running Game

Being able to establish a running game should be no problem for this Penn State Football team.

With a stable of great running backs to rotate through, along with a talented and experienced offensive line to pave the way for them, this Nittany Lion rushing attack is fully capable of wearing down defenses.

With some uncertainty at what Clifford will provide for this offense at quarterback, being a run-first offense will relieve some of the pressure from him, starting by opening up the field for play action and the RPO (run/pass option). Additionally, running the football will lead to less turnovers. Clifford is also a mobile quarterback, so defenses have account for him running the ball at times as well.

Being that Penn State has so many running backs to rotate through, they will be able to remain fresh throughout the game as the defensive front gets worn out both physically and emotionally.

Teams that are successful running the football typically win the time of possession battle, which will be especially important going against some of the better offenses in the conference. Keeping the ball out of the hands of those high powered offenses is as much as possible is crucial.

Look for this Penn State football team to replicate the 2019 Cotton Bowl, where they were so successful running the football, in many of their matchups this season.