Where do you expect a RB to typically encounter the first contact on a running play?

[blion72]

The commentators in NW and Illinois game mentioned that our RBs are being hit in the backfield or line of scrimmage, and that is a problem. Sometimes you hear that it is FB and there will be contact but you have to beat these guys to get the big play runs. Do you expect OL to make openings that a guy like Nick SIngelton can make the big play? Or do you think it is on him to break these tackles to get the big play?

Watched the replay of Univ Kentucky game v Florida and their RB's are running full speed - no jukes - straight ahead and not touched on several plays. Watching UMich vs Nebraska (a top rush defense) there were several runs where UM RB could just go with no hesitation. These became big play runs. Just saw the Eagles first TD and Swift runs in from around the 5 yd line untouched straight ahead. i have not seen many of these situations where our RBs can just go straight line with no hesitation.

 

[CDLionFL]

We're back to 2017 where a lot of runs are beginning from a dead stop out of the shotgun. We're also in a situation where every team is going to gameplan against our running backs because that's the strength of the team. If I'm a DC, I make sure to do my best to take those guys out of the game as much as possible and hope that my coverage is enough to handle the passing game. Make a first-time starting QB beat me, especially on the road. Judging by these first 5 games and the lack of separation that our WRs have been getting, I think you're going to see this continue.

 

[Nitt1300]

with the ball

 

[LionJim]

with the ball

Good for you. I tried, came up with nothing satisfactory.

 

[LionJim]

wrong thread. Delete

 

[blion72]

We're back to 2017 where a lot of runs are beginning from a dead stop out of the shotgun. We're also in a situation where every team is going to gameplan against our running backs because that's the strength of the team. If I'm a DC, I make sure to do my best to take those guys out of the game as much as possible and hope that my coverage is enough to handle the passing game. Make a first-time starting QB beat me, especially on the road. Judging by these first 5 games and the lack of separation that our WRs have been getting, I think you're going to see this continue.

in 2017 there was the hesitation but the QB was seriously considering running. I am not sure that is what is going to happen as our QB is generally not the runner. At least Drew is not going to run maybe Beua yes. IF the QB is not going to run, why not just make it more of a play action as opposed to an RPO style? as you point out, there is no benefit to the delay as DEF is not going to take QB serious. Watching yesterday's replay today, Nick is being hit often in the backfield and sometimes a free run by the defender. He will not last if we keep this up.

 

[StamfordBridgeVikingatLeftOffensiveTackle]

Either well into the secondary or just as he's crossing the goal line..

 

[BW Lion]

Near the line of scrimmage, frequently by one of his teammates.

 

[Catch1lion]

I posted this stat yesterday . Going into the NW game PSU was 93rd in FBS in yards until contact on a running play . Whopping 1.5 yds . 98th in yards after contact 2.7 yds .
On the positive side we are very strong in 3rd and 4th down conversion .

 

[WVilleLion]

Never! Every run should be to the house.

 

[Midnighter]

Barkley created 90% of his yards in his own. It was boom or bust with him because of the line and play calling. Nothing has changed.

 

[OhioLion]

At the time of the play, I honestly thought he was taking a knee.
My thinking is a run fake-pass would look more like a “Tebow Pass”.
However, from my recliner, it resulted in a touchdown, so I’m good.

OL

 

[ILLINOISLION]

At the time of the play, I honestly thought he was taking a knee.
My thinking is a run fake-pass would look more like a “Tebow Pass”.
However, from my recliner, it resulted in a touchdown, so I’m good.

OL

My immediate reaction was the same.

And honestly surprised the officials in the backfield didn’t whistle the play dead, his knee was THIS CLOSE to touching the ground.

Franklin would have gone ape-**** IF the play had been blown dead!

 

[bdgan]

The commentators in NW and Illinois game mentioned that our RBs are being hit in the backfield or line of scrimmage, and that is a problem. Sometimes you hear that it is FB and there will be contact but you have to beat these guys to get the big play runs. Do you expect OL to make openings that a guy like Nick SIngelton can make the big play? Or do you think it is on him to break these tackles to get the big play?

Watched the replay of Univ Kentucky game v Florida and their RB's are running full speed - no jukes - straight ahead and not touched on several plays. Watching UMich vs Nebraska (a top rush defense) there were several runs where UM RB could just go with no hesitation. These became big play runs. Just saw the Eagles first TD and Swift runs in from around the 5 yd line untouched straight ahead. i have not seen many of these situations where our RBs can just go straight line with no hesitation.

I guess it depends on who you're playing. I'd like to think PSU's OL is superior to NW's DL and our RBs could get a a yard or two past the LOS before being touched. It helps if the defense is off balance and your RB sees the hole and hits it without hesitating.

 

[Bvillebaron]

I guess it depends on who you're playing. I'd like to think PSU's OL is superior to NW's DL and our RBs could get a a yard or two past the LOS before being touched. It helps if the defense is off balance and your RB sees the hole and hits it without hesitating.

Leveon Bell and some other great RBs disagree

 

[blion72]

I posted this stat yesterday . Going into the NW game PSU was 93rd in FBS in yards until contact on a running play . Whopping 1.5 yds . 98th in yards after contact 2.7 yds .
On the positive side we are very strong in 3rd and 4th down conversion .

that is amazing that we are so low. is that system, OL, both or other causes?

 

[Catch1lion]

that is amazing that we are so low. is that system, OL, both or other causes?

The explosive plays are going to have to come eventually. Drew Allar did hit KeAndre Lambert-Smith for a 35-yard gain that was a huge play, and getting him involved early and often will be key moving forward. But Penn State ranks 95th in yards per play and 124th in explosive play rate, which TruMedia defines as percentage of plays with rushes of 12-plus yards or catches of 16-plus yards. Backup quarterback Beau Pribula still has the team’s longest rush of the season with a 21-yarder at Illinois.--- the Athletic

 

[bdgan]

Leveon Bell and some other great RBs disagree

Leveon Bell didn't play against THIS NW defense. NW & Illinois are the last and next to last rated run defenses in the conference so far this year and PSU ran for less yards against them than their other opponents.