Penn State Football: Three bold predictions for August

3. Penn State shows vast improvements in the run game

Penn State football struggled to run the ball last season; everyone knows that by now.

A program with a rich running back tradition did not have a single running back rush for 100 yards in a game last season. That cannot continue.

Sean Clifford’s injury is what fans usually point to as to why Penn State struggled offensively in the second half of the season, but the run game was just as big a problem.

There are reasons to believe that the run game will improve this season.

The running back group received a jolt with the addition of the 2022 recruiting class. The running back room added 5-star Nick Singleton and 4-star Kaytron Allen.

Not only do these guys bring a new element and skill set to the group, they also will push the older guys to perform. With the talent Singleton and Allen have, if the veterans struggle, they will be replaced. It forces everyone to want to be better.

Secondly, the interior of the offensive line looks improved.

Juice Scruggs, who was arguably Penn State’s best offensive lineman last year, moves from guard to center. The Nittany Lions are replacing the other two interior linemen from last year (Mike Miranda and Eric Wilson) with talented sophomore Landon Tengwall and then either Saleem Wormley or transfer Hunter Nourzad.

Keep in mind, Wormley was slated to start last year before suffering a season-ending injury late in camp.

Between these two factors, expect to hear good things about Penn State’s run game as camp goes on.