Penn State Football 2021: Keys to success on offense

Key #2 – Establish The Running Game

This Penn State Football team has an excellent combination of talent and depth within their running back room. Many of the guys bring different things to the table, and have running styles that are different from one another.

Penn State has five talented running backs who all have relevant experience, although James Franklin expects to use only three in most games. They also have an excellent offensive line who should be able to create sufficient running lanes for their running backs.

If this offense is able to establish the ground game early, it will set the tone and open things up for Sean Clifford and the passing game. As a result of their depth, the Nittany Lions will be able to continue to rotate in fresh legs as they continue to wear down the opponent’s defensive front.

Additionally, if Sean Clifford does struggle with turnovers again this season, having the ability to run the ball effectively will limit how much Clifford has to do.

Being able to pick up positive yardage with the running game and staying ahead of the chains allows for two things, the first being that Mike Yurcich will be able to open up the playbook more in second/third down and short. The second thing it does is it avoids third and long situations where Clifford would potentially force a pass downfield.

If this Penn State Football offense can dominate with their running game this season, this offense will be extremely difficult for opposing defenses to stop.