Where the heck is the running game?
Penn State’s running game concerns continued against the Villanova defense. Although Villanova is an FCS opponent, the Wildcats are one of the better FCS programs against the run. even with that thought in mind, it was concerning to see Penn State unable to create space for the running game to get moving.
James Franklin noted starting running back Noah Cain was a bit banged up after last weekend’s game against Auburn, which accounted for Cain getting just one rushing attempt for two yards (something we’ll have to monitor going into next week’s game against Indiana for sure). But the entire running game was lacking all game long.
John Lovett had a better second-half showing with 45 rushing yards on 11 carriers in the game, making him Penn State’s leading rusher. Keyvone Lee managed just 21 yards on seven attempts and Penn Stater rushed for 80 yards as a team.
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The defense comes out strong once again
Penn State’s defense didn’t figure to have a very stressful day against an FCS opponent, but they still rose to the occasion time and time again from the start of the game. Villanova ended the game with 280 yards of offense, and 169 of those yards came on Villanova’s last two possessions in the fourth quarter against Penn State’s backups.
Penn State forced Villanova to two three-and-outs to start the game and allowed just a field goal through the first three quarters of the game before starter began coming out of the game for good.
PJ Mustipher and Arnold Ebkiketie each recorded a sack and Ji’Ayir Brown came up with an interception (and a second interception was wiped out by a Penn State penalty). It was a light day for Jaquan Brisker in the final stats, but he made his presence known too.
And real quick, speaking of defense, I do love Villanova’s version of the turnover chain.
Villanova’s turnover chain is fantastic. pic.twitter.com/1B9IvUwQTr
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) September 25, 2021
Jordan Stout is a terrific punter
Say what you will about Jordan Stout’s place kicking (especially in week 1), but there is no doubt he is among the best punters in the country. Stout was called on to punt four times in the game, and all four punts were downed inside the Villanova 20-yard line.
Even against an FCS opponent, the ability to pin the opposing offense deep in their end is great to see from the special teams unit. Stout delivered on that mission.
Jordan Stout having a solid afternoon punting the ball and pinning Villanova back today.
Villanova’s starting field positions today after a Stout punt:
– NOVA 5
– NOVA 2
– NOVA 9— Locked On Nittany Lions (@LockedOnNittany) September 25, 2021
Stout also continued to handle all of the placekicking responsibilities, as he has this season. He converted on all five extra-point attempts and was one of two on field goal tries, with the only miss coming on a 53-yard attempt.
Penn State will be home once again next week for a primetime matchup with the Indiana Hoosiers. It’s a big revenge game situation for Penn State after losing the season opener to the Hoosiers a season ago. A chance to take a 5-0 record on the road to Iowa is on the line, but Franklin and his team will live by the mission of simply being 1-0 next week after going 1-0 in Week 4.
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