Penn State Confronts Stagnant Run Game Despite Explosive Passing

Coaches have publicly accepted responsibility for play-calling and execution faults and are signaling personnel and schematic changes before Saturday’s Buffalo tune-up.

Overview

Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser said on Tuesday that he is taking blame for the struggling run game and promised to change his play-calling to create easier, more executable rushing opportunities for the backs.
Head coach Matt Campbell said the offense missed short-yardage red-zone runs by inches, criticizing execution on plays inside the 10-yard line against Temple.
Quarterback Rocco Becht has carried the offense through two games with 539 passing yards, seven touchdowns and a roughly 75 percent completion rate while committing no turnovers.
The rushing attack has produced no 100-yard rushers, no runs longer than 16 yards and averaged about 155.5 yards per game, including 148 rushing yards and zero rushing touchdowns in the 27-9 win at Temple.
Coaches plan to test personnel and scheme adjustments against Buffalo on Saturday, which could mean more snaps for backups such as Quinton Martin Jr. and James Peoples as primary back Carson Hansen works back from missed preseason time.