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Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki described the offensive linemen’s play in recent games as nasty.
He also could have used “effective.”
The Nittany Lions have averaged 233.3 rushing yards and 39.7 points in their last three games against SMU, Oregon and Maryland.
Those three performances have come since Nolan Rucci replaced the injured Anthony Donkoh as the starting right tackle.
“Nolan Rucci is a baller,” left guard Vega Ioane said Thursday. “I’m pretty sure most of you have seen that he was the highest-graded offensive lineman in the first round (of the College Football Playoff).
“That’s impressive for a guy like him. We’re really impressed with him and what he’s been doing since he took over the starting role.”
Rucci and the rest of the Penn State offensive line will face another stiff challenge from Boise State in the CFP quarterfinal at the Fiesta Bowl Tuesday night at 7:30 (TV-ESPN).
The Broncos (12-1) rank second in the nation with 51 sacks and are 23rd in rushing defense, holding opponents to 115.1 yards per game.
Last week, however, the Lions (12-2) ran past SMU and its fourth-ranked run defense for 189 yards in a 38-10 victory at Beaver Stadium.
“The first words that come to mind are consistency and physicality,” Kotelnicki said. “We played a really physical brand of football in our last game, which I love. That’s who we want to be. We want to be a tough group up front.
“They’re playing together with consistency, nastiness, physicality and the understanding of what we’re trying to do in the run and pass game.”
Donkoh was considered Penn State’s best run blocker until he suffered a season-ending injury. The Lions haven’t missed a beat since Rucci replaced him. In fact, their numbers are better.
“Once it was his time to step up, we were all confident in…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-state-offensive-line-turns-044600225.html
Author : Reading Eagle, Pa.
Publish date : 2024-12-27 04:46:00
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