Lions' backup running backs get their chance

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - It was a sight that no one on the Penn State sideline wanted to see: Saquon Barkley limping off the field on the opening drive.

Despite how much coach James Franklin had praised his backup running backs, the ground game had been primarily Barkley's show since his 1,076-yard season last fall.

During the first half of Penn State's 34-27 win over Temple, those other backs finally got meaningful game action. The Nittany Lions logged 116 rushing yards, 82 of which came before halftime. Time and time again, however, Temple stuffed the run, especially when Barkley was sidelined.

"It is a difficult thing. We have to get our running game going. It is just a matter of execution," wide receiver Chris Godwin said. The Owls "were doing some things to take away our run game, so our passing game was able to jive a little bit."

Barkley returned to the game at the end of the first half and for a while the Temple defense was able to contain him. The sophomore had gained only 10 rushing yards when he broke away in the fourth quarter's final minutes, outrunning Temple defenders for 55 yards before reaching the end zone. His touchdown sealed the victory.

No running backs were made available after the game, but Franklin said he was pleased with the effort the less experienced players put in in Barkley's absence.

"We have depth at running back. We have four guys who we feel can play at this level and be successful," Franklin said. "Saquon could've gone in a little bit earlier, but those guys were having some success while they were in there."

Despite some struggles, it was not all negative for the running back.

Freshman Miles Sanders, a four-star recruit out of Pittsburgh, got his first college carries, finishing with 27 yards on three attempts. Redshirt sophomore Andre Robinson scored his first college touchdown on a 3-yard run in the first quarter. He gained 24 yards on six carries.

"We have unbelievable running backs. Obviously, having 26 out there was awesome," said tight end Mike Gesicki, referring to Barkley. "But when Andre gets in there, when Miles gets in there, when little Mark [Allen] gets in there, everybody has the capability of breaking one loose and being just as effective as Saquon."

"They were all confident. They've been repping it in practice. They've been pushing each other hard," quarterback Trace McSorley said. "I was happy to see them do what they did today."

@ErinMcPSU