Film Study - PSU's Lack of Explosive Run Plays

JoeBagobagels · 2026-09-16T11:00:50-0500

Marshall2323 said:
Here's something new. Get rid of coaches, since we know more than them by simply watching games on TV and just text the players the gameplan.

Over the years I've seen Joe paternal make the wrong personnel decisions. In 1995 Mike Archie was getting the starts over Enis in one case. I believe pits was the starter in 1993 over Carter Richie Anderson was getting the bulk of the carries in 1992 because he was a senior who didn't seem to have quite the work ethic as the young guys.

Now fans aren't evaluating players during practice, but it's not like they're always wrong. Might take with these running backs as we don't know enough to make a decision. But many of us have seen coaches make the wrong decisions when it comes to starting a player in the past. Now, maybe they had some good reasons, or maybe those reasons weren't really valid? Cause I know Larry Johnson Junior ran for over 2000 yards as a senior.

Maybe his attitude got a lot better all of a sudden?

WaffleShopper · 2026-09-16T11:21:41-0500

I don’t think this is that big of a deal. Lots of fans want to see more Quinton Martin because of his potential. Tengwall and even Campbell has said Hansen hasn’t looked very explosive so far this year. Maybe Hansen isn’t 100% healthy yet. Maybe Martin’s effort isnt good enough in practices. Who knows. It will all shake out over the next several weeks and Campbell will dial in the lineups. Either we wind up with a really good #1 RB or we don’t and have to make up for it elsewhere. These are the issues of a team that doesn’t have top 10 talent.

bbrown · 2026-09-16T11:26:49-0500

JoeBagobagels said:
Over the years I've seen Joe paternal make the wrong personnel decisions. In 1995 Mike Archie was getting the starts over Enis in one case. I believe pits was the starter in 1993 over Carter Richie Anderson was getting the bulk of the carries in 1992 because he was a senior who didn't seem to have quite the work ethic as the young guys.

Now fans aren't evaluating players during practice, but it's not like they're always wrong. Might take with these running backs as we don't know enough to make a decision. But many of us have seen coaches make the wrong decisions when it comes to starting a player in the past. Now, maybe they had some good reasons, or maybe those reasons weren't really valid? Cause I know Larry Johnson Junior ran for over 2000 yards as a senior.

Maybe his attitude got a lot better all of a sudden?

Zach Zwinak is one the sat on the depth chart behind Derek Day because BOB didn't like the way he practiced.
When given the chance his jr. year after the 4th game he went on to produce a 1000 yards and 900+ his sr. year.
Hmmm. Practice you say.

KingLando · 2026-09-16T11:34:34-0500

IoffendwithTruth1 said:
On the contrary, he has watched film on him while he was at ISU and said his vision then was good, however, currently while at PSU it has taken a step back. I agree though, its only been two games, his point, as well as mine, is pointing to areas that need improvement. Nothing bad about that. That's what you do in life. Point out the areas that you can sharpen or tighten up, and then move forward. That is an evaluation, which happens to be correct. Ask yourself, after every single game that is played, doesn't the media/former players evaluate individual position group/s or an individual on their performance by pointing out the good things and then the areas that need improvement? The answer is yes. We all evaluated the teams performance after each game so far have we not? Pointing out the things they did well and then pointing out the things they can improve on. That is exactly what we (former players/coaches) do after each game. The difference between us and guys like you, is that when we are in the film room watching the tape, we are looking for the small details as to why we got beat on a certain play. Tengwall does in fact do a good job at pointing those out because...wait for it...he was a former player. You are disagreeing because it is not YOUR evolution. You can disagree, we live in the greatest country on earth to do so, however, you are incorrect on this one.

He didn't "lose vision" between last year and this year. It's a nonsensical claim...too much weight it being put on a few carries. Every player that has ever played missed a read/lane. The better they were the more they missed because they kept playing.
The difference between us made me laugh...thanks for that
I'm not incorrect on this one. No matter how much you want me to be

KingLando · 2026-09-16T11:37:07-0500

sr108 said:
I think there is some truth to what you say regarding Fans rooting for Martin. And reading between the lines, it appears that Martin is not practicing up to par for what ever reason. If that’s the case, he won’t see the field under Campbell.

With that said, I have been underwhelmed with both Hansen and People’s. While they apparently do the intangibles well, they have not shown much explosiveness. Granted we only have a limited sample size, but Martin and Wallace both have shown the ability to make a safety miss and get to the second level. If Martin is not practicing hard, that’s on him. Perhaps Terry Smith needs to have a heart to heart talk with him.

So...we've seen Hansen make safeties miss at Iowa State...I dont recall him having the opportunity yet.
I'm fine with this response but I don't believe for a second Wallace and Martin are that much more explosive than Peoples and Hansen. We've never seem that and, if anything, Hansen has shown the most over 2+ years
Hansen is the most complete back...I think we all agree on that.

KingLando · 2026-09-16T11:37:52-0500

WaffleShopper said:
Asking for Martin to get a few more carries every game has nothing to do with where he played last year. Why is nobody asking for Rulli to start at center over Riker? It’s because Riker looks like an absolute stud so far. I guarantee that if Hansen was playing as well as Riker then QM’s name would barely be mentioned.

Half of this board doesn't know who Rulli is
They know who Martin is

Ludd · 2026-09-16T11:41:14-0500

KingLando said:
I don't have any issue with it
If Hansen did that people would be saying that it was against two horrible teams and Q is still more explosive and should have been getting those carries. That's how this board works
Read the quotes from our OC today--they have zero concerns about Hansen just as our fan base shouldn't but too many people here only watch Penn State football.
I love the are you related to Hansen comment just like you asked about Allar. I defend people when the fan base wrongly attacks them such as this situation and I do that for players on all teams not just my team

If Hansen had back to back 200 yard games I guarantee no one would be calling for Martin….100% guarantee it.

DaytonRickster · 2026-09-16T11:41:44-0500

PSUForever said:
You are kind of making up these conspiracy theories in your head. Like everyone loves Martin because he is a PSU legacy and not Hansen because he is an ISU transfer. Or everyone had it in for Allar. Everyone wanted Allar to succeed but he had the special knack of playing his worst in the biggest moments (OSU, Michigan, ND, Oregon '25) and that was incredibly frustrating since he was a 5 star recruit and was supposed to be one of the best PSU QBs ever. And no it wasn't all lousy coaching, terrible receivers and all the other excuses you desperately come up with but you don't want to hear that.

Most people on this board just want Penn State to win and don't care who is playing, former ISU, UCLA, whatever. You don't think people would have loved to see Allar carry us to a win over OSU or ND? If Hansen can get us the most wins versus QM than great. He looks a little shaky now. But if he succeeds and starts looking like a stud and we are winning than most people will not whine for QM.

I found it enlightening that HCMC said in his press conference yesterday that Hansen, having missed camp (because of injury), is still not where they expect him to be physically. So, I tell myself that in two weeks we might see an improvement in his running. Still, he has no negative yardage runs and that is a big positive for the run game. Hoping Peoples, QM, and Wallace are given opportunities and they make them count. The other issue HCMC pointed out is the OL is a work in progress and they are working to get timing/coordination down. He expressed concern about the OL depth, some of it being injuries.

sr108 · 2026-09-16T11:58:21-0500

KingLando said:
Half of this board doesn't know who Rulli is
They know who Martin is

I know who Rulli is. And while I am kind of rooting for the guys that stayed to do well, I want the best guy at each position to play. Bottom line on the running back issue. It has been underwhelming at best and From watching some of the film breakdowns available on podcasts, it’s not entirely the offensive line’s fault. I hope Hanson or Peoples or someone gets things going.

sr108 · 2026-09-16T12:00:50-0500

Marshall2323 said:
No one has an easier schedule than PSU. So it should follow that if Campbell doesn't win 9 games you agree he should be fired too?

Sure, right fire him after one year, that’s brilliant.

PSUForever · 2026-09-16T12:07:36-0500

Efejle said:
Personally, I am in the court of opinion that says go full air raid.

No, we have some talent at RB You make it seem like every RB is terrible. We don't want to be a predictable one dimensional offense nor do we have to be. Yes, our passing game is better than the run game but we can run the ball.

sr108 · 2026-09-16T12:08:30-0500

KingLando said:
I think had Allar beat ND with a last second drive many would have claimed he still sucked and if he played better he wouldn't have needed to do that. And they still wish we had Beau

People will want Q regardless of what Hansen does. That's how this works and has always worked. There's more to RB than breaking off long runs. Hansen was all Big XII. Doesn't mean he'll be all Big Ten (he won't) but he's already proven over the course of 2 seasons the intangibles and running ability he has. You're talking about wins...he's the guy that's going to win you the most games. And, yes, for many this is about Q coming here and being loyal especially from older fans who hate the portal. For the 20th time, if it wasn't about that they'd be asking for Peoples not Q.

Peoples has not looked that great either IMO. I want the best guy period. Ultimately, we need to have faith the coaches want that as well.

Rocco3 · 2026-09-16T12:21:53-0500

bbrown said:
Zach Zwinak is one the sat on the depth chart behind Derek Day because BOB didn't like the way he practiced.
When given the chance his jr. year after the 4th game he went on to produce a 1000 yards and 900+ his sr. year.
Hmmm. Practice you say.

Looking back way back. Had in certain years Joe been all about practice Franko Harris my never have gotten a start. There are those guys who will dog it a little in practice but be the best at their position.

troutrus · 2026-09-16T12:30:02-0500

FK3JM said:
92, 98, 99. 1000 pounds of ******* charmin.

BCS PSU said:
It's amazing how Tennessee has become a magnet for businesses; that's a state that clearly has been run by mostly forward thinking people and it's paying off dramatically.

Not so amazing. TN fits right in with states at the bottom of this list. Our state (NC) legislators like to brag about how attractive we are to business. NC has been at the bottom of this list for the last seven years. Guessing it has something to do with a state’s history of slavery.

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Oxfam's Best States to Work index reveals where working families have opportunities to thrive. Where does your state rank?

www.oxfamamerica.org

KingLando · 2026-09-16T12:32:29-0500

Ludd said:
If Hansen had back to back 200 yard games I guarantee no one would be calling for Martin….100% guarantee it.

You're incorrect but...

KingLando · 2026-09-16T12:33:43-0500

sr108 said:
I know who Rulli is. And while I am kind of rooting for the guys that stayed to do well, I want the best guy at each position to play. Bottom line on the running back issue. It has been underwhelming at best and From watching some of the film breakdowns available on podcasts, it’s not entirely the offensive line’s fault. I hope Hanson or Peoples or someone gets things going.

You do but many don't
Too much is being made of 30 carries in which he's been productive.

DaytonRickster · 2026-09-16T13:04:22-0500

KingLando said:
So...we've seen Hansen make safeties miss at Iowa State...I dont recall him having the opportunity yet.
I'm fine with this response but I don't believe for a second Wallace and Martin are that much more explosive than Peoples and Hansen. We've never seem that and, if anything, Hansen has shown the most over 2+ years
Hansen is the most complete back...I think we all agree on that.

At this juncture Hansen is the most complete back. The others, though certainly talented, have to meet the coaching expectations before they increase their PT. That much was clear from yesterday's press conference.

Ludd · 2026-09-16T13:38:33-0500

KingLando said:
You're incorrect but...

No, I’m not. Your argument is dumb. People are calling for someone else because they’re not impressed with what they’ve seen so far…it’s pretty simple. Are people on here only high on Rojas because he stayed?

Ludd · 2026-09-16T13:39:21-0500

KingLando said:
You do but many don't
Too much is being made of 30 carries in which he's been productive.

You better tell Campbell that because he even said Hansen isn’t playing up to his ability…so you’re seeing way more than the coaches are.

WaffleShopper · 2026-09-16T13:50:05-0500

troutrus said:
Not so amazing. TN fits right in with states at the bottom of this list. Our state (NC) legislators like to brag about how attractive we are to business. NC has been at the bottom of this list for the last seven years. Guessing it has something to do with a state’s history of slavery.

The Best States to Work in the US 2026

Oxfam's Best States to Work index reveals where working families have opportunities to thrive. Where does your state rank?

www.oxfamamerica.org

I’m pretty sure NC has had some of the highest net domestic migration the last couple years. States like Idaho, Florida, NC, SC, and TX that are near the bottom of that list are somehow growing like mad compared to other states.

Marshall2323 · 2026-09-16T14:15:45-0500

sr108 said:
Sure, right fire him after one year, that’s brilliant.

Read what I.was responding to. Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool....

Marshall2323 · 2026-09-16T14:20:58-0500

JoeBagobagels said:
Over the years I've seen Joe paternal make the wrong personnel decisions. In 1995 Mike Archie was getting the starts over Enis in one case. I believe pits was the starter in 1993 over Carter Richie Anderson was getting the bulk of the carries in 1992 because he was a senior who didn't seem to have quite the work ethic as the young guys.

Now fans aren't evaluating players during practice, but it's not like they're always wrong. Might take with these running backs as we don't know enough to make a decision. But many of us have seen coaches make the wrong decisions when it comes to starting a player in the past. Now, maybe they had some good reasons, or maybe those reasons weren't really valid? Cause I know Larry Johnson Junior ran for over 2000 yards as a senior.

Maybe his attitude got a lot better all of a sudden?

First of all, there is no decision for you or anyone here to make. Fans aren't always wrong. Even a broken clock. I think it's hilarious that all off season this staff was hailed as the second coming. 2-0 and the SOS surfaces.This is more fun than the Sunday Comics section.

Marshall2323 · 2026-09-16T14:23:09-0500

PSUForever said:
No, we have some talent at RB You make it seem like every RB is terrible. We don't want to be a predictable one dimensional offense nor do we have to be. Yes, our passing game is better than the run game but we can run the ball.

Well we better take a vote so Campbell knows what to do.

KingLando · 2026-09-16T14:28:24-0500

Ludd said:
No, I’m not. Your argument is dumb. People are calling for someone else because they’re not impressed with what they’ve seen so far…it’s pretty simple. Are people on here only high on Rojas because he stayed?

You are incorrect
Anyone calling for a new back after 2 games with his prior track record doesn't deserve to have an opinion
Not sure how Rojas factors in...if he wasn't playing well people would be more patient with him than Hansen despite similar pasts

KingLando · 2026-09-16T14:29:05-0500

Ludd said:
You better tell Campbell that because he even said Hansen isn’t playing up to his ability…so you’re seeing way more than the coaches are.

That's not what he said...listen again and you'll comprehend how committed to Hansen he is. I love when people hear what they want to hear.

LionJim · 2026-09-16T14:37:25-0500

KingLando said:
I love when people hear what they want to hear.

That’s an actual thing? Huh.

royboy · 2026-09-16T15:28:50-0500

KingLando said:
So...we've seen Hansen make safeties miss at Iowa State...I dont recall him having the opportunity yet.
I'm fine with this response but I don't believe for a second Wallace and Martin are that much more explosive than Peoples and Hansen. We've never seem that and, if anything, Hansen has shown the most over 2+ years
Hansen is the most complete back...I think we all agree on that.

Did you even watch the film study that was the first post in this thread?

There were examples of failures by Hansen (and Peoples) to make more yardage out of some good initial blocking

olelion · 2026-09-16T17:31:42-0500

You gotta love these guys who because they played football treat the game as rocket science. It's a frigging game for god's sake. There are plenty of ex football players out there who are serial failed coaches. Anyone can opine on the game. What most are saying is that we haven't seen a breakaway back and that could hurt this team as the season progresses

KingLando · 2026-09-16T17:41:23-0500

royboy said:
Did you even watch the film study that was the first post in this thread?

There were examples of failures by Hansen (and Peoples) to make more yardage out of some good initial blocking

there's examples of that for EVERY RB in the country

Ludd · 2026-09-16T18:34:46-0500

KingLando said:
You are incorrect
Anyone calling for a new back after 2 games with his prior track record doesn't deserve to have an opinion
Not sure how Rojas factors in...if he wasn't playing well people would be more patient with him than Hansen despite similar pasts

No one is calling for a new back, they’re calling for other backs to get a shot. For your argument to carry any weight, posters on here should be calling for all the guys that stayed to play, not just one position.

Ludd · 2026-09-16T18:35:17-0500

KingLando said:
That's not what he said...listen again and you'll comprehend how committed to Hansen he is. I love when people hear what they want to hear.

Like you.

KingLando · 2026-09-16T19:00:19-0500

Ludd said:
No one is calling for a new back, they’re calling for other backs to get a shot. For your argument to carry any weight, posters on here should be calling for all the guys that stayed to play, not just one position.

Most of the posters on here couldn't tell you who was here last year--they primarily know the names of skill position players
If Rap wasn't more involved we'd be hearing complaints but his snap count is high and all TEs are playing
At how many programs is RB4 getting an opportunity?

NittanyLionRoar · 2026-09-16T19:55:00-0500

Guys, there’s way too much debate about which RBs are “good” and which ones are “bad.” Based on what the coaches have said, I think they believe they have four good, capable running backs. None are great yet, but they all have potential to be great if they work hard and can scheme them right.

Hansen was an all-conference RB and strung together numerous consecutive 100 yards games against tougher competition than we’ve faced this year, so he’s the starting point and he’s already proved he can perform much better. Most importantly, and what separates him from the others, is he doesn’t have negative plays or no gain plays. He keeps the offense on schedule and that leads to the passing game being wide open.

ApexLion · 2026-09-16T20:03:41-0500

Rocco3 said:
It might just be that our best RB is still in HS.

Too cerebral for me.

royboy · 2026-09-16T20:24:12-0500

KingLando said:
there's examples of that for EVERY RB in the country

What a lame answer. And I suspect you didn't bother to look at the video that started this thread.

Care to respond?

Or should we assume you're a liar as well as a pompous know-it-all windbag?

KingLando · 2026-09-16T20:30:05-0500

royboy said:
What a lame answer. And I suspect you didn't bother to look at the video that started this thread.

Care to respond?

Or should we assume you're a liar as well as a pompous know-it-all windbag?

What are you talking about? Respond to what?
Yes, I watched most of the video but Landon isn't very good IMO (as stated previously including last year) but people around here act like he's all knowing.
I'm just direct and transparent unlike you and others that can't be honest about why they're saying what they're saying.
You can assume whatever you want--I'm guessing that's what you typically do in life
The answer was lame because it was factual? It is factual, correct? Name a RB that hasn't...win an argument for once.

olelion · 2026-09-16T20:44:04-0500

Rocco3 said:
It might just be that our best RB is still in HS.

Too bad we missed on that McKeesport kid

royboy · 2026-09-16T21:29:57-0500

KingLando said:
What are you talking about? Respond to what?
Yes, I watched most of the video but Landon isn't very good IMO (as stated previously including last year) but people around here act like he's all knowing.
I'm just direct and transparent unlike you and others that can't be honest about why they're saying what they're saying.
You can assume whatever you want--I'm guessing that's what you typically do in life
The answer was lame because it was factual? It is factual, correct? Name a RB that hasn't...win an argument for once.

You're a waste of time. A legend in your own mind despite no particular expertise.

KingLando · 2026-09-17T05:51:38-0500

royboy said:
You're a waste of time. A legend in your own mind despite no particular expertise.

Oh no...you doubled down on not liking me. How will I get through the day?
The discussion is the RB situation but you'd rather talk about me. Adorable.

Rocco3 · 2026-09-17T06:50:26-0500

Ludd said:
If Hansen had back to back 200 yard games I guarantee no one would be calling for Martin….100% guarantee it.

I have no idea what the difference between the ISU Hansan is compared to the now PS Hansan is today. I can only go on what I have seen so far this season, and I really don't think he was some sort of allusive back at ISU.

There is a pretty big difference from making someone miss in the open field and making someone miss in the backfield or 3-4 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. So far, I haven't seen Hansan do either. It is really hard to see someone make them miss when you constantly run with your head down.

To me Hansan is looking very mechanical, was he before? I have no idea. It just seems that he's intent on running to the spot the play calls for and without hesitation. I have yet to see him have the patience to set up his blockers or bounce it to an open lane. To date I have seen nothing instinctual about his play.

Will any of that change Saturday. I hope so. I was really hoping he was going to be Kaytron light. But to date I have seen nothing that might suggest that. So far, he's been a good, tough runner who can block and catch. Beyond that we haven't seen much. I think the staff thinks they can win with him and if they can I'm good with it.

Film Study - PSU's Lack of Explosive Run Plays

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