Penn State Eyes Orange Bowl Victory with Dominant Run Game

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Penn State is gearing up for its College Football Playoff semifinal showdown against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, with a focus on its dominant run game. The Nittany Lions, led by offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, have relied heavily on their ground attack, which ranks among the nation’s best. Penn State’s rushing offense, averaging 202 yards per game, will face a stern test against Notre Dame’s stout defense on Thursday night at Hard Rock Stadium.

Penn State head coach James Franklin emphasized the importance of an aggressive and creative game plan. “I want Andy to call the game aggressive and creatively,” Franklin said. The Nittany Lions rank 10th nationally in yards per play (6.6) and eighth in offensive touchdowns (62), with their run game leading the Big Ten. Running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton have been instrumental, combining for over 2,000 rushing yards this season.

Kotelnicki, in his first year as offensive coordinator, has revitalized Penn State’s offense. The Nittany Lions’ run game has been particularly effective in the latter half of the season, with Allen and Singleton averaging over 7 yards per carry in recent games. “Kaytron has been running like a wild man,” Kotelnicki said. “His vision and ability to break tackles have been phenomenal.”

Notre Dame’s defense, led by coordinator Marcus Freeman, presents a formidable challenge. The Fighting Irish boast the No. 4 pass defense in the country, but their run defense has shown vulnerabilities. Opponents like USC and Northern Illinois have exploited Notre Dame’s front seven, rushing for 197 and 190 yards, respectively. Penn State’s offensive line, which has shown significant improvement throughout the season, will look to capitalize on these weaknesses.

Quarterback Drew Allar, who has thrown for over 3,000 yards this season, will also play a crucial role. However, Kotelnicki stressed the importance of balance. “If you want to win, you need to have balance,” he said. “We’ve been running the ball well, and that opens up opportunities in the passing game.”

Penn State’s ability to control the clock and sustain drives with its run game could be the key to victory. With a trip to the National Championship Game on the line, the Nittany Lions are poised to rely on their ground attack to secure a win in Miami.