Implications of having a running game again

[tboyer]

Just as a conversation starter, here are PSU's rushing averages since 2002:

2002 228
2003 122
2004 129
2005 212
2006 150
2007 193
2008 205
2009 169
2010 142
2011 165
2012 143
2013 174
2014 101
2015 133
2016 174
2017 170
2018 274

Obviously this year's number will go down as the year goes along, but depending on whether Sanders and the backs can stay healthy, depending on Tommy Stevens' contribution, we could see the first year with a 200 yard rushing average since 2008, and 220-230 yards really is possible.

That changes a lot of things for this team. It not only means the offense is more dangerous with balance, it means red zone performance will be better. And it also means the offense will grind on opposing defenses and buy the PSU D-coaches time to tork on its myriad problems in-game. If there's a year that the team needs 14-play drives more than it needs 4-play drives, it's this year.

Given the shape the PSU D is in right now, nothing will help those guys more than a good running game.

And now that the OL is starting to get a rhythm on bread and butter between the tackles running, we will see them start to do more intricate stuff -- sweeps, reverses, screens -- that bring people like Hamler and Thompkins into play.

The offense stayed very vanilla on Friday with their running game for a lot of reasons. They have a lot more of a running playbook than they've shown so far this year, and that will help them this week.

I was watching Wisconsin-Iowa the other night and those two offensive lines are pretty incredible -- but Penn State's might actually be comparable by mid-season.

When this team has a legitimate Big Ten power running game, which they haven't had since 2008, it's going to be another milestone for the program.

 

[WDLion]

Just as a conversation starter, here are PSU's rushing averages since 2002:

2002 228
2003 122
2004 129
2005 212
2006 150
2007 193
2008 205
2009 169
2010 142
2011 165
2012 143
2013 174
2014 101
2015 133
2016 174
2017 170
2018 274

One problem. 2018 isn't over.

 

[Obliviax]

Just as a conversation starter, here are PSU's rushing averages since 2002:

2002 228
2003 122
2004 129
2005 212
2006 150
2007 193
2008 205
2009 169
2010 142
2011 165
2012 143
2013 174
2014 101
2015 133
2016 174
2017 170
2018 274

We haven't played a team with a defense yet. Sanders looks great and the OL much improved but appy state didn't have a guy on their roster over 300 lbs. Pitt? Kent? Ill?

The good news is that tOSU hasn't either. I honestly have no idea what to expect Saturday. I am very concerned about the middle of our defense but have no idea how a youngish tOSU team will play in front of a white out.

 

[tboyer]

We haven't played a team with a defense yet. Sanders looks great and the OL much improved but appy state didn't have a guy on their roster over 300 lbs. Pitt? Kent? Ill?

The good news is that tOSU hasn't either. I honestly have no idea what to expect Saturday. I am very concerned about the middle of our defense but have no idea how a youngish tOSU team will play in front of a white out.

I guess I'm trying not to dwell on the D too much. It is what it is. The problems extend from DT to linebacker to safety and if you read between the lines of Franklin's comments, there is nothing that will be fixed soon. When they can get linebackers and safeties to begin to understand their positions, that will help somewhat but it won't be anything like a strength this year probably.

I guess my point is, the O will be able to help the D by running the ball. Yes they haven't played a top 25 team yet, but Friday night that was a Big Ten team not named Rutgers, and those holes were something we mostly haven't seen for the last 15 years. People might be underrating what is happening with the OL.

For most of the last 20 years we've seen defenses picking up for the offense. Now we need the reverse to happen to have much chance at something better than 3-4 losses.

 

[tboyer]

One problem. 2018 isn't over.

Like I said the average will go down of course. But based on what we've seen I think 200 yards rushing average is likely and 210 is doable. Yeah between the tackles it's going to get tougher as they face bigger defenses, but PSU has speed to get around the corner. And they have two TEs -- Holland and Friermuth -- who are actually playing like legitimate B10 TEs and improving each game.

I also think this OL is still just beginning to show what they're capable of. There is a ton of upside in that unit. And if they can start to rotate people like Holmes and Thorpe and Wright, again, that isn't something we've seen out of a PSU offensive line in a long time.

 

[Bobpsu]

One problem. 2018 isn't over.

That is what he said......no news here!

 

[BBrown]

We haven't played a team with a defense yet. Sanders looks great and the OL much improved but appy state didn't have a guy on their roster over 300 lbs. Pitt? Kent? Ill?

The good news is that tOSU hasn't either. I honestly have no idea what to expect Saturday. I am very concerned about the middle of our defense but have no idea how a youngish tOSU team will play in front of a white out.

Seems like they (App ST. & Illinois) had 1 very, very good player on D. The NT for APP St. was excellent and the DL for Illinois #91 I think) was all over the place against us.

 

[PrtLng Lion]

Time of possession with a solid run game could be a huge factor. Keep OSU's Offense off the field as much as possible. I like Sanders' tough north-south style a lot.

 

[doofis]

We haven't played a team with a defense yet. Sanders looks great and the OL much improved but appy state didn't have a guy on their roster over 300 lbs. Pitt? Kent? Ill?

The good news is that tOSU hasn't either. I honestly have no idea what to expect Saturday. I am very concerned about the middle of our defense but have no idea how a youngish tOSU team will play in front of a white out.

Kent State is small and they know it. Lewis will fix that.
Right now, they have only two 300+ pounders.
Nose tackle Kalil Morris is 6-2, 319.