On Saturday, Beaver Stadium will witness a remarkable clash between an unstoppable force and an immovable object. Penn State's run game is all set to continue its momentum in the first round of the College Football Playoff. In the Big Ten championship game against Oregon, the Nittany Lions amassed an impressive 292 yards rushing, marking their second-highest total this season. Now, they face an SMU run defense that has been exceptionally stingy throughout the season.

Highlighting the Offensive Stars

Kaytron Allen showcased his prowess with 124 yards and a touchdown against Oregon. Nick Singleton also had an outstanding performance, racking up 105 yards. Quarterback Drew Allar added 54 yards rushing and a score of his own. These remarkable achievements came against a solid Ducks defense that allowed just 111.8 rushing yards per game. However, against another strong front on Saturday, Penn State will be truly tested as SMU ranks fourth in the nation against the run, allowing only 93.4 yards per game.

The Offensive Line's Confidence

Penn State center Nick Dawkins expressed confidence on Monday. He said, "For us as an offensive line, there were definitely highlights and glimpses of our potential. Our expectation is to perform at this level every single game. It doesn't matter who the opponent is; it's about our ability to execute." This confidence stems from their previous performance and the belief in their collective strength.

The Running Backs' Recovery

Singleton, who dealt with an injury during the middle of the season, is now at full strength and feeling confident. He credited the offensive line and tight ends for creating lanes for him. His recent performances have been a testament to his recovery and readiness. He said, "I feel great. The whole running back room, along with the O-line and tight end room, we all have confidence in our abilities."

The Coaching Staff's Role

Penn State coach James Franklin praised the training staff and his teammates for helping Singleton return to health. He said, "I think Kaytron and Nick are both back healthier than they've been in a while. Our offensive line and tight ends did an excellent job of getting a hat on a hat and straining against Oregon." This support system has played a crucial role in the team's performance.

The Run Game's Potential in the Postseason

The Nittany Lions currently rank 16th in the nation with 5.34 yards per carry and 19th with 202.2 yards rushing per game. However, with quarterback Beau Pribula entering the transfer portal and not available during the playoff run, the run game could undergo some changes. Tyler Warren may see more direct snaps, and there could be other wrinkles in offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki's playbook. The team aims to maintain a strong ground attack and is confident in their ability to do so.

SMU's Defensive Prowess

SMU has been excellent against the run. In the ACC championship game, they limited Clemson running back Phil Mafah and quarterback Cade Klubnik to just 49 total rushing yards. The defense is led by a strong defensive line featuring upperclassmen playmakers like Jahfari Harvey, Elijah Roberts, Isaiah Smith, and Jared Harrison-Hunte. They have accumulated 96 tackles for loss, tied for seventh in the nation, and are known for pushing offenses behind the line of scrimmage.

The Team's Confidence

Singleton emphasized the importance of being physical at the line of scrimmage. He said, "Coach Franklin always says that for this whole room, it starts with the O-line and D-line. Being physical sets the tone, and it makes our job easier. We're up to the challenge and ready for it." This confidence is palpable as Penn State looks to dominate on the ground against SMU.