If there’s one thing you know about a Penn State defense, it’s that they don’t give up much on the ground. With Zane Durant and Dani Dennis-Sutton patrolling the front seven, this unit is built to shut down run-heavy schemes. They’re aggressive off the snap, they clog running lanes fast, and linebackers scrape sideline to sideline like heat-seeking missiles. For a program like FIU, that means every single yard is going to feel like a fight.
FIU came into 2025 trying to reinvent its ground attack. They’ve leaned on rotation backs like Shomari Lawrence and Kejon Owens, while sprinkling in quarterback runs with Keyone Jenkins. Against lesser competition, that mix can work — quick hitters, outside sweeps, and the occasional draw. But against a front like Penn State’s, there’s no margin for error. Miss one block, and it’s a tackle for loss. Hesitate in the backfield, and it’s a turnover waiting to happen.
Advertisement
Penn State hasn’t allowed more than 120 rushing yards in a game to a Group of Five opponent since 2019. That’s not by accident. Franklin and Jim Knowles coach this group to dominate the line of scrimmage and force teams to beat them through the air. FIU’s best rushing output last year came against defenses nowhere near Penn State’s level. Translation: whatever FIU averaged in Week 1 won’t carry over in Beaver Stadium.
FIU wants balance. They want to run enough to keep Jenkins comfortable and use play-action to open up deep shots. But Penn State isn’t going to allow balance. Once the run game is erased, FIU is stuck throwing into a secondary that feasts on rushed decisions. That’s how games spiral into blowouts. Three-and-outs lead to short fields, and before you know it, Allar and the offense are up three touchdowns by halftime.
Look, FIU might pop a run or two early. That happens. But over four quarters, this is a trench battle they cannot win. Penn State’s defense is too strong, too disciplined, and too deep. By the third quarter, FIU’s offensive line will be gassed, and the run game will be nothing more than a formality.
Prediction: FIU finishes under 75 rushing yards and Penn State’s defense sends a loud reminder that running against this front seven isn’t an option.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Why FIU’s running game won’t work against Penn State
