Penn State Football vs Indiana – Reasons to worry, and for optimism

Penn State Football Reason for Optimism – Offensive Play Calling

Mike Yurcich has been excellent so far this season at being diverse and unique in his formations and play calling. He always seems to have more tricks up his sleeve, and I expect him to have some more for the Hoosiers this week.

Yurcich has done a great job of getting everyone involved, and forcing defenses to account for everyone at all times. How many teams in the country can say that their third string tight end has two rushing touchdowns through just four games?

Additionally, he is able to do so many things with the same personnel, so he can go up tempo and not allow the defense to substitute, without sacrificing offensive production. Plus, there are times when he is constantly substituting after every play and forcing the defense to constantly have to match it.

Finally, one thing that Yurcich has shown some of that could help a struggling running game is 2-back sets. With having so many talented running backs, it really opens up a lot of possibilities when there are two of them on the field at once.

Against Ball State, Cain scored a touchdown out of a two back set with Devyn Ford as his lead blocker. If they can implement more of that, and allow them to get their ball carriers outside in space, this running game might be able to make strides in the right direction.

As long as Yurcich is around, he will squeeze every ounce of potential out of this offense, and it will allow this team to be successful and win games.