Penn State Football: 5 reasons why Nittany Lions struggle in 2017

Penn State Football: 5 reasons the Nittany Lions will struggle in 2017

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on against the USC Trojans during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with teammates after scoring on a 24-yard touchdown run in the first half against USC Trojans during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

4. Depth behind Saquon Barkley is concerning

LSU’s Derrius Guice might be the only running back on the same plane as Barkley. Penn State is fine with McSorley and Barkley in. Sophomore Miles Sanders is the only option with some valuable experience behind Barkley.

Sanders rushed for one touchdown last year. Compared to Barkley’s 18 touchdowns, that’s nothing. An injury to Barkley means Sanders is the guy.

Other Penn State running backs to watch are Andre Robinson and Mark Allen. Sanders is the youngest in the stable behind Barkley. He should take over after Barkley departs for the NFL. He’ll need some extra touches this year.

If Barkley stays healthy, depth isn’t concerning. His 272 rushing attempts add up. The wear and tear on his body is something the coaching staff has to watch. Barkley’s the main reason Penn State could win another Big Ten title.

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