Penn State hopes to improve on its third-down conversions
The way Penn State coach James Franklin sees it, the best way to keep drives going is to make first downs with first- or second-down plays, and not wait for third down if at all possible.
The way Penn State coach James Franklin sees it, the best way to keep drives going is to make first downs with first- or second-down plays, and not wait for third down if at all possible.
It's a sound strategy if you look at the Nittany Lions' third-down numbers through three games. They rank in a tie for 118th out of the 128 schools playing in the Football Bowl Subdivision in third-down conversions at 27.3 percent. They have just nine successful conversions, and only Indiana, Marshall and Appalachian State have fewer.
Fourth-ranked Michigan, the Lions' opponent Saturday in their Big Ten opener on the road, has defended third down like no one else thus far. The Wolverines have allowed opponents to convert just four of 38 opportunities, leading the nation at 10.5 percent.
"Yeah, they're very good on third down," Franklin said. "I think a lot of it is because they're really good on first and second down. If you look at analytics and things like that, really your first downs should not come on third down. They should come on first and second downs. We're doing a much better job of that."
In last Saturday's win over Temple, the Nittany Lions were 2 for 9 on third down. On two of the missed occasions, they went for it on fourth down and moved the sticks both times. They never had a third-down play where they needed less than seven yards to gain a first down, and a third and goal came from the Temple 23, thanks in large part to a holding penalty.
Quarterback Trace McSorley said the key is staying out of third-and-long and finding more manageable situations to keep drives alive.
"It's a big factor for us, making sure we're converting on third down and staying on the field getting first downs and keeping our defense off the field," he said. "So that's something that we're definitely focusing on each week. They are very good on third down, and very good at getting off the field."
Michigan's defense has allowed averages of 15 points and 296 yards in the team's 3-0 start. Coach Jim Harbaugh said the unit has been hit with some big plays but overall has done a fine job.
"It's been really good, consistent defense," he said. "Maybe our third down is indicative that we're for the most part really good on defense. We have really good players and a very good scheme."
This is the second straight season that Penn State has struggled on third down. The Lions had a 27.6 percent success rate last year, which was 125th in FBS. This year's new no-huddle offense has been able to move the ball through the air. The Lions are tied for 30th nationally at 276 yards per game, but continue to sputter in the running game.
The problem Saturday is that it figures to be loud at Michigan Stadium, with about 110,000 people in full voice on third-down plays trying to encourage the Wolverines defense and confuse the Lions' offense. The answer might be to stay out of as many third-down situations as possible.
"That's a focus point for us, getting to manageable third downs when we don't pick up a first down on first or second down," Franklin said. "We've got to be more efficient. But I think really first and second down kind of tells the story for both teams – tells the story for our defense, tells the story for our offense."
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