Outback Bowl: 3 changes James Franklin, Mike Yurcich must make to beat Arkansas
By Andrew Adair
2. Control The Clock
The lack of a rushing attack has led to a lack of time of possession.
Penn State can control the clock without a running game, by getting into and converting manageable third downs.
The Nittany Lions have gotten away from the bubble screens and flat passes that replace the running game. Establishing a rushing attack would be ideal but, that ship has sailed.
Penn State’s offense has struggled the most when it can’t stay on the field. The inability to convert on third and short and untimely drops have popped up consistently. Without Brent Pry calling the defense, it will be even more of a priority for the offense to say on the field.
OC Mike Yurcich on 2021 results for Penn State offense:
— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) December 17, 2021
"Not good enough. A lot of room to improve. We didn't execute at the level that we need to execute at. So I take the blame, it solely falls on my shoulders. We'll get better, I'll get better."
In Arkansas’ four losses this season, they have struggled to stop the run. Their defense has given up 324, 273, 251, and 152 yards rushing in games this year. There is an opportunity against this defense to control this game and impose their will. The defense will do their job and it’s time for the offense to do theirs.