Saquon Barkley had 21 carries during Penn State’s 39-38 loss at Ohio State last Saturday.
He lost ground on nine of them.
That means Penn State moved in the wrong direction nearly half of the time Barkley, a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy, was handed the ball.
That’s a credit to the Buckeyes’ defense, anchored by what might be college’s football’s finest line, but also the latest indictment of the Nittany Lions’ offensive line.
When a guy many regard as the top running back, if not player, in the nation is consistently being hit in the backfield, it’s an issue.
“We have to improve in the run game,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. “I think the biggest thing, really, is eliminating the negative-yardage plays.”
The No. 7 Nittany Lions [7-1, 4-1 in the Big Ten] enter their game at noon Saturday at Michigan State averaging 148.8 rushing yards in five conference games, placing them fifth in the Big Ten.
They are averaging 275 passing yards, No. 3 in the conference, and are second in overall offense, with 423.8 yards per game.
Pass-blocking has been a recurring problem, too. Even though Trace McSorley is a mobile and elusive quarterback, Penn State has allowed a conference-high 18 sacks in its five Big Ten games to date.
The Nittany Lions have given up 70 tackles-for-loss in their eight games so far; that’s 14 more than Michigan, which has yielded the second-most among conference teams.
Although Franklin didn’t absolve Barkley of responsibility for some of those negative-yardage plays — he made a reference to “not trying to turn every run into an 80-yard run, [and settling for] only getting two yards” — Penn State’s offensive line routinely was overwhelmed by the Buckeyes.
“When we tried to run the ball, we weren’t successful,” Franklin said. “When we tried to throw the ball, Trace was running for his life.”
Barkley, of course, has proven that he’s a game-breaking play just waiting to happen anytime he gets the ball, whether it’s on a handoff from McSorley, a direct snap or a kick return.
He has scored at least one touchdown in 15 consecutive games, a school record and the longest active streak in Football Bowl Subdivision. Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio embraced a suggestion that Barkley’s skills set is reminiscent of that of Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers.
“That’s a very good analogy, for those of us that remember Gale Sayers,” he said. “Exciting, electrifying guy, great tackles. Laterally, very quick, cutback runner, spin runner. He’s an effective player, great player.”
Even the most gifted back, however, is going to struggle if he gets a defender’s bear hug at the same time he takes a handoff. And because Michigan State has a formidable defensive front, Penn State’s offensive line will be facing another big challenge Saturday — especially if, as now seems likely, injured left tackle Ryan Bates is unable to play.
The Spartans are allowing an average of just 89.8 rushing yards per game, best in the Big Ten and the fourth-lowest total in the nation.
“People in this conference — really, across college football, but especially in this conference — they've made up their mind you’re not running the ball on them,” Franklin said.
He was quick to add, however, that there is an upside to that emphasis opponents put on stopping the run.
“That’s why I think we’ve been able to throw the ball effectively,” Franklin said. “That's why we’ve had explosive plays. That’s why we’ve been able to put up a good amount of points, week-in and week-out. Because people’s commitment to stop the run creates opportunities to throw the ball.”
Particularly when the offensive line gives McSorley enough time to find a receiver.
Dave Molinari: Dmolinari@Post-Gazette.com and Twitter @MolinariPG
First Published: November 2, 2017, 5:55 p.m.