Victory Bell Rings
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Penn State Football vs Indiana: 5 Nittany Lions who need to step up

By Nick Kreiser

Sep 25, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive linesman Juice Scruggs (70) rings the victory bell following the completion of the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Villanova 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive linesman Juice Scruggs (70) rings the victory bell following the completion of the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Villanova 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State Football
Penn State Nittany Lions running back John Lovett (Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports) /

John Lovett (RB)

After missing the first two game of this Penn State Football season for unknown reasons, Baylor transfer John Lovett has seen an increase in snaps and touches over the last two games. Lovett has been the number two back in terms of cumulative carries and yards over the last two games combined.

Noah Cain did not play much against Villanova, as James Franklin said he was “banged up” from the Auburn game. If that is the case again this week, expect Lovett to see the bulk of the touches among the running back group.

As mentioned earlier, the Nittany Lions’ running game needs to improve. As pointed in out in the post by For The Blogy that I linked earlier in this article, as well as in this YouTube video of theirs in which they do a great job of breaking down the issues with the running game, the running backs are to blame as well.

When the blocking is up to par, and there are holes to run through, sometimes the running backs have not been seeing the holes and hitting them. Lovett has shown the burst that if he can find the hole and get to the second level, he can be a difference maker for this offense.

Lovett has also shown some ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Indiana likes to bring pressure, so he will need to be a reliable check down option for Sean Clifford as well.

If the graduate transfer can get going on the ground and provide this offense with a more balanced attack, the Nittany Lions will be in a great position to win this game.

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