Penn State Coaches Get Honest on Run Game Problems

The Penn State Nittany Lions are off to a 2-0 start to the season, but it hasn't gone perfectly in their wins. 

The Nittany Lions have struggled to run the ball effectively, which is something they will need to address when they take on tougher opponents.

"To say I’m less than thrilled with the running game would be an understatement ... and that starts with me," Penn State offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser said. "I'm more mad at myself than I am the (running backs) and the o-line. We want to be a team that prides itself on being the most physical football team and running the football."

Carson Hansen has led the way for the Nittany Lions in the running game, with 132 yards on 30 carries through the first two games. James Peoples has been the secondary back with 73 yards on 15 carries.

"I think Carson's a great football player and I don't think I've done a good enough job as the offensive coordinator of showcasing him and getting our offense in a rhythm on the ground to where we can showcase what that guy is," Mouser added.

Hansen had a solid game against Temple with 19 carries for 84 yards, but he has yet to find the end zone this season. He could have a major role for the Nittany Lions in their matchup against the Buffalo Bulls.

"I know the level of work that (Hansen) brings in, the physicality and how important it is to him," Mouser said. "And for whatever reason, we've been a hair off, either he's missed it and we blocked it well or we haven't blocked it well. And there's been (missing assignments) that we need to clean up for him to be better. But it starts with bad play calling from (me). I need to call things that our guys can execute at a high level, and I don't feel like I'm doing a good enough job of that."

Another running back that could factor into the rushing attack besides Hansen is Quinton Martin Jr. Through the first two weeks of the season, he hasn't had a big role, rushing for 38 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.

"I just think there’s going to be so many guys throughout the season that are going to pop up and showcase themselves, and Quinton is certainly one of those guys. We all have great belief in him," head coach Matt Campbell said. 

The Nittany Lions will look to improve to 3-0 on Saturday against Buffalo while igniting the rushing attack for the first time this season.