Penn State excited to add Noah Cain back to the backfield this season

Running back Noah Cain is set to re-join Penn State’s backfield this season. Last year, Cain suffered a season-ending injury on the Nittany Lions’ first drive of their opening game against Indiana. Penn State head coach James Franklin is excited to have Cain back as a weapon in his offense this season.

As a freshman in 2019, Cain saw 84 carries over 10 games and totaled 443 rushing yards. Cain averaged 5.3 yards per carry and his eight touchdowns finished eighth in the Big Ten and was one of the highest totals among freshmen in the conference. He also caught seven passes for 52 yards.

As he returns to the field this season, Cain is likely to lead Penn State’s backfield. Keyvone Lee and John Lovett will also see touches, but Cain could quickly find himself as the leader of the backfield.

James Franklin called in to FOX’s pregame coverage of Ohio State vs. Minnesota on Thursday night. He had great things to say about getting Cain back.

“Having Noah Cain back has been huge,” Franklin said. “We lost him in the opening series of our first game last year. Towards the end of his freshman year, he may have been one of the most efficient running backs in the country, so having an experienced running back like him back. He’s one of those guys, he might not go for 80 but he’s going to get you positive yards play after play. He’s got a way of subtly making people miss and breaking arm tackles. True football people really appreciate his style of play.”

Penn State’s season begins with a trip to Wisconsin

Last season, Penn State lost its first five games of the season but won four in a row to end the season. It was the first time since 2004 that Penn State finished with a losing record. The offense as a whole saw many inconsistencies, including quarterback Sean Clifford.

Clifford threw for 1,883 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season. When the Nittany Lions face off against Wisconsin on Saturday, Clifford will benefit from what should be an improved rushing attack from last season.

In two seasons at Guyer High School in Texas, Cain rushed for 2,721 yards and 32 touchdowns. He played his final two high school seasons at IMG Academy. He ran for nearly 1,000 yards with 14 total touchdowns during his two years at IMG. Cain will be looking to see the success that he saw in high school and as a freshman at Penn State more consistently with more touches this season.