10 Questions with Victory Bell Rings about Penn State Football

Penn State only had the 7th best best rushing offense in the Big Ten in 2016, how would you slow down Barkley?

Barkley wasn’t slowed as much as the rushing attack got off to a slow start.  In the first five games of the season, the Nittany Lions averaged just 108.2 yards per game.  The offense was growing underneath McSorley and it hadn’t developed yet.  In the final nine games, Penn State actually averaged 212 yards per game.  There were certain games where the offense struggled, but in those games teams focused so heavily on run defense.  It opened up the passing game.

Badger of Honor Reaction:

One thing to watch for this year is the workload for Barkley.  It’s almost certainly his final year in Happy Valley barring something strange.  So Penn State may not care how much tread is left on his tires come 2018.  But last year Barkley had precisely 300 touches from scrimmage after just 202 the year prior.  The Nittany Lions would be wise to be careful with his touches to keep him fresh for the end of the season.  That means finding some backups who can help out and ease the burden.  Also, not trailing at the half and needing furious 2nd half rallies would be helpful.  A healthy Barkley held out of the 4th quarter as a precaution for a game the Nittany Lions have well in hand is a good thing for Penn State near and longer term.