Is Penn States ground game primed for a big year? Over-under 190 yards per game?
Penn States running game should be special in 2021. The Nittany Lions roster is loaded with talented backs. Penn State returns three key starters from the 2020 offensive line plus two big tight ends who earned invaluable experience a year ago. Add in the presence of Penn State running backs coach JaJuan Seider and offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich, and James Franklins program has all of the bases covered. So PennLives next over-under involves the run. First, a couple of notes on Penn States past rushing attacks under Franklin:  **Penn State had well-documented offensive line issues during Franklins early years, and the Lions averaged just 101.9 rushing yards in 2014 and 133.9 in 2015. **The Lions success in landing top running back talent began to pay off in 2015 and Saquon Barkley, Miles Sanders and Journey Brown worked well with coordinators Joe Moorhead and Ricky Rahne. **From 2016 through 2019, the Lions won 42 games and the rushing average jumped up to 171.9, 170.2, 204.9 and 190.6, respectively. Lets be honest  even though Mike Yurcich is regarded as one of the top offensive coordinators in the game, the Penn State passing game didnt exactly scare some of the better teams on its 2020 schedule. Big-play wideout Jahan Dotson was terrific but the Lions only had first-team All-Big Ten tight end Pat Freiermuth for half of a season and PSU was never able to establish a third receiver outside. Freiermuth is now a Pittsburgh Steeler. Penn State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich during the open football practice at Beaver Stadium, April 17, 2021. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com  But veteran quarterback Sean Clifford had his moments two years ago and if he can raise his level of play and clean up some issues, PSUs offense should be more balanced. A more balanced offense will free up some talented runners to make plays against seven-man fronts. Noah Cain was very good as a true freshman in 2019 and he is healthy again. Second-year runner Keyvone Lee has added strength after leading Penn State in rushing a year ago. Third-year back Devyn Ford is a big-play threat on most plays. Balance will be the key for Penn State to become more formidable on the ground. Im going OVER 190 yards a game on the ground.