Penn State Football vs Iowa: Nittany Lions’ reasons for optimism, to worry
By Nick Kreiser
Penn State Football Reason to Worry – The Running Game
Although the running game showed signs of life against Indiana, it does not mean that it is still not a weakness of this Penn State Football team. Iowa’s defense is great, and they are led by a very talented middle linebacker in Jack Campbell. He will surely be very impactful against the run for the Hawkeyes.
The blocking from the offensive line and tight ends is gradually improving, but Iowa’s front seven is experienced and extremely talented, and might give Penn State’s front some trouble.
The Nittany Lions are gaining just 3.9 yards per rush, and the Hawkeyes defense is allowing just 2.7 yards per attempt on the ground.
Additionally, the Nittany Lions have just six total rushing touchdowns this season, and three of them are not by running backs (one by Sean Clifford, two by Tyler Warren). The three that are by running backs, are all from Noah Cain, who does not seem to be 100% healthy at the moment.
Mike Yurcich has tried some different formations, such as the shotgun split back set and and T-formation, to try to have some more success running the ball. We have also seen Tyler Warren take snaps in the wildcat formation, as well as Jahan Dotson take handoffs on an end around.
All of this diversity is great to mix in at times, but there are certain points where Yurcich seems like he is trying to get “too cute” in attempts to run the ball in short yardage situations.
At the end of the day, the blocks need to be made, and the backs need to find the hole and get upfield. If the Nittany Lions are unsuccessful in doing that against the Hawkeyes, it will be very difficult to beat such a talented team.
