Penn State Football: keys to success against the Auburn Tigers

2 of 3

STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 10: Nicholas Singleton #10 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with Sal Wormley #77 after scoring a touchdown against the Ohio Bobcats during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 10, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Key to success on offense – running the ball between the tackles

Last week, the Nittany Lions had success on the ground for the first time in what feels like forever, and they’ll need that success to continue this week.

Nick Singleton was the leading rusher by far against Ohio, picking up 179 yards on the ground. However, most of those yards came on three big runs, all of which were either designed to go outside or he bounced the run outside and outran defenders. While that’s all well and good, Penn State needs to be able to consistently pick up handfuls of yards on the ground between the tackles.

Those 4-6 yard runs on first and second down can keep Penn State ahead of schedule and keep them out of third and long situations where the crowd would likely be at its loudest. Plus, those are situations where Sean Clifford would be more likely to be under pressure, which can lead to some mistakes on his part, or some sacks which are of course never good either.

Finally, if Penn State Football has a lead in the fourth quarter, it will be much easier to ice the game and put the Tigers away if they can run the ball between the tackles well, picking up positive yards, keeping the clock moving, and moving the sticks.

If they run the ball well to complement the passing game, the Nittany Lions can score a lot of points in this one and put this game away by the fourth quarter.

Home/Penn State Football