Penn State HC Matt Campbell Defends Offensive Philosophy

The new-look offense might have caught some Penn State fans off guard.

The passing game was on full display against Marshall, and the Nittany Lions took a 24-0 lead into halftime thanks to the dynamic play of Iowa State transfer quarterback Rocco Becht.

The Nittany Lions, a program historically known for having a robust running attack, leaned on their passing game early.

Becht finished the day going 13-of-18 passing for 271 yards and four touchdowns. He threw no interceptions in the 45-0 win.

During his postgame news conference, PSU head coach Matt Campbell was asked about his strategy, with a reporter noting Penn State's offense had just 62 yards rushing in the first half.

Campbell said he didn't care how the offense moved the ball as long as it was effective.

"Well, I would just say there’s a reason there were 62 rushing yards, because there were probably 310 passing yards," Campbell said, via Nittany Sports Now. "I say that because when you have a quarterback who has played extensively, I think he has the ability to take what the defense gives him. 

"I thought Rocco was really efficient today. You were getting eight or nine guys in the box. You were getting a lot of pressure. We kind of didn’t know exactly what to expect."

Carson Hansen led PSU in rushing with 48 yards on 11 carries. Cam Wallace rushed 11 times for 42 yards and a score. Quinton Martin Jr. added 38 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.

Campbell appreciated the way Becht dealt the football against Marshall.

"For Rocco to be able to handle that and distribute the ball — sometimes being a great quarterback is like being a great point guard, right?" Campbell said. 

"You’ve got to be a great distributor of where the ball needs to go. I thought he was outstanding today. I thought he was outstanding from the beginning. A lot of those plays, he put us in really great positions to be successful. My hat’s off to him."

The passing game looks solid in Week 1. The running game did its job in the second half. The Nittany Lions will have a chance to keep their offensive momentum rolling when they travel to play Temple on Saturday.