Penn State Seeks Run-Game Improvement
Penn State Seeks Run-Game Improvement
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Key Points
1
Carson Hansen has taken 30 carries for 132 yards through two games, but offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser said the running back’s struggles do not diminish his confidence in Hansen, an all-conference player last season.
2
Quinton Martin Jr., who ran consistently in Penn State’s Pinstripe Bowl win last season, did not play a single snap against Temple despite the backfield’s struggles; coach Matt Campbell nevertheless said he has “great belief” in Martin.
3
Penn State emphasized the ground game against Temple by running the ball more often than it passed, even though the passing attack had been effective against the Owls.
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Coach Matt Campbell offered a play-by-play explanation of three failed red-zone runs: one was poorly executed, one allowed an inside defender to win, and another broke down at right guard by roughly an inch.
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The running-game concerns contrast with a highly productive passing attack: quarterback Rocco Becht has thrown seven touchdowns through the first two games.
Penn State's offense is flying through the air but struggling on the ground. Through two games, the Nittany Lions have rushed for just 311 yards with an average of 4.3 yards per carry and only two touchdowns. 247Sports reported that the team's run game has become a glaring weakness despite the passing attack delivering seven touchdowns from quarterback Rocco Becht.
Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser acknowledged the problem directly, saying he's dissatisfied with the ground game and accepting responsibility for running too many schemes. Coach Matt Campbell pointed to execution and missed assignments as the culprits. Yet the coaching staff remains confident in running back Carson Hansen and the rest of the backfield heading into bigger Big Ten tests.
Carson Hansen Struggles Despite Strong Pedigree
Iowa State transfer Carson Hansen has carried the load with 30 carries for 132 yards through two games. 247Sports noted that Hansen, an all-conference player last season, hasn't delivered the explosiveness Penn State expected. His longest run is just 16 yards. Despite the disappointing numbers, offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser said his confidence in Hansen remains unchanged.
The coaching staff believes Hansen will break through. They point to his college pedigree and expect improved blocking and better decision-making to unlock his potential. Mouser took responsibility for the play-calling rather than blaming the running back for the stagnant ground attack.
Underutilized Backups Add To Mystery
Quinton Martin Jr. didn't play a single snap against Temple despite the running game's obvious struggles. Martin ran consistently in Penn State's Pinstripe Bowl win last season, suggesting he's fully healthy. Coach Matt Campbell said he has "great belief" in Martin, raising questions about why the backup barely saw action.
James Peoples rounds out the running back group competing for carries. The team's emphasis on passing against Temple—even though the passing attack worked—suggests coaches wanted to establish balance. That strategy backfired given the rushing attack's anemic performance.
Red-Zone Execution Exposes Technical Breakdowns
Coach Matt Campbell provided a play-by-play breakdown of three failed red-zone runs that highlighted where the offense is breaking down. One run was poorly executed. Another allowed an inside defender to win his matchup. The third broke down at right guard by roughly an inch. These narrow margins separate productive drives from stalled ones.
The issues aren't talent-related but rather focus and precision. Campbell emphasized that the team is "a hair off" on assignments and blocking schemes. Better practice competition and sharper decision-making could quickly fix what looks like a fixable problem rather than a personnel shortage.
Passing Attack Masks Offensive Imbalance
Rocco Becht has thrown seven touchdowns through two games, making Penn State's offense look explosive on the surface. YDR reported that wide receiver Koby Howard scored two touchdowns in the first half alone against Buffalo as the Nittany Lions built a 34-6 halftime lead. The passing game's success has masked how badly the ground game is underperforming.
Establishing the run game remains essential for Big Ten play. Teams will eventually stack the box to shut down Becht if Penn State can't force them to respect the running attack. The coaching staff knows this—that's why they emphasized running against Temple despite the passing dominance.
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