Penn State Vs. Rutgers: Keys to Victory

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. | Penn State hosts Rutgers on Saturday as it embarks on another turnaround after losing to Michigan. A New Year’s 6 bowl remains on the table, sure, but it’s a disappointing end to a season which began with championship aspirations. Penn State football players acknowledged this week the difficulty of moving forward.

“I feel like nobody's truly OK, when you put so much into it, especially in the offseason, especially with so many expectations — high expectations, not only from the outside but also within. We have so many talented players, so many talented guys,” defensive tackle Dvon Ellies said. “It's hard to be OK after a loss like that, just given how much we've put into it, how much work we've done on a day-to-day basis to become the team we've been pretty much all year. And to fall short like that is heartbreaking.”

The defense has delivered lights-out performances each time the offense has fallen short against top competition. Keeping composure after the letdowns will be key as Rutgers (6-4) vies for an historic upset. The Scarlet Knights haven’t beaten Penn State since 1988 and haven't scored more than 10 points in the series since joining the Big Ten. Let’s dive into a few keys to another Penn State victory over Rutgers.

Run, run, run

With running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider being part of the coaching tandem that will run the offense, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen should be a major focus. The run game doesn’t have to look like Michigan’s offense, which didn’t officially attempt a pass in the second half, but it should be an emphasis.

Allen and Singleton have combined to top 15 carries each just twice this season, against Iowa and Indiana. In five games, neither back received 15 carries. That shouldn’t happen, as the backfield is easily one of the offense's more talented groups.

Expect Seider to wield a heavy hand in scheming ways to get that duo the ball. Singleton has been seeking the spark of 2022 for some time, though Penn State has noticeably struggled to get him the ball in open space. Perhaps some off-tackle runs will be more prevalent with new playcallers in charge.

Use the tight ends

To stick with the theme, tight end coach Ty Howle’s group should be a focus as well. Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren have been strong safety blankets and red-zone targets for Drew Allar this season, but their involvement rarely has been a central focus.

Johnson and Warren are second and third on the team in receptions and receiving yards, respectively, but both are well below half of the totals held by KeAndre Lambert-Smith. It’s worth noting, too, that wide receiver Dante Cephas has just seven fewer receptions than Johnson despite being a role player for the first eight weeks.

Allar needs an option over the middle to open up the offensive scheme and generate confidence. Johnson and Warren, both 6-6, provide that option. Howle needs his group to be a key cog in Allar’s development.

Stop the Rutgers run

Rutgers' offense focuses pretty exclusively on running back Kyle Monangai, the Big Ten’s leading rusher. He’s put up 94.2 rushing yards per game and 5.2 a carry. Penn State was gashed by that run-only Michigan offense, allowing 227 yards and a trio of scores. Monangai has been playing hurt recently but remains a threat.

Further, Penn State's post-loss defensive hangover can’t happen like it did against Indiana. The defense, which still ranks second in the nation against the run, will be tested by Monangai. The saving grace might be the Scarlet Knights’ inability to pass. They’re 12th in the Big Ten in passing offense, one of just three teams averaging fewer than 150 yards per game. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz’s front seven should get to work.

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Ja'Juan Seider, Ty Howle take over as offensive coordinators for Penn State

Max Ralph is a Penn State senior studying Broadcast Journalism with minors in sports studies and Japanese. He previously covered Penn State football for two years with The Daily Collegian and has reported with the Associated Press and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Follow him on Twitter (X) @maxralph_ and Instagram @mralph_59.

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