Blue White Illustrated

Certainly, there is truth to that statement. Slade only had to wait a matter of days for his big moment, as he broke loose on a 44-yard run to set up a touchdown in Penn State's 28-21 vic- tory over Michigan. The Lions have recruited the running back position tremendously well in recent years, and the position is vital to the functioning of the o4ense. Those play- ers wouldn't be at Penn State if the coaching sta4 didn't believe they could all serve a purpose. But calling Cain's number 15 times in the fourth quarter alone against Iowa for a total of 22 carries in the game – when no other Penn State running back eclipsed four – was telling. The coach- ing sta4 has stressed ball security more than ever this season, so for them to trust in a true freshman in such a tight ball game proves the con2dence they have in the young Louisianan. And while he saw limited action against the Wolverines, he was in the back2eld in the 2nal moments, gaining 7 yards on two plays to help the Lions pick up a decisive 2rst down. Through seven games, Cain was Penn State's lead- ing rusher with 329 yards. His performance against the Hawkeyes gave him his second consecutive 100-yard game. Of the other three running backs, only Brown had hit the century mark in the 2rst half of the season, and he was aided in large part by an 85-yard carry when he did so against Pitt. Plus, Cain reached the end zone six times in seven games. No other run- ning back had scored more than three times. So while the depth chart may continue to have a bolded "OR" next to each name listed under the running backs, and while Franklin may continue to be coy about who his lead back is, and while there may be 3ashes of brilliance from every member of the Lions' quartet, it's clear that the sta4 trusts Cain to get tough yards when the team needs them most. ■ BREAKING AWAY Cain was Penn State's leading rusher through seven games with 329 yards on 62 attempts. Photo by Steve Manuel 111 E. Beaver Ave s State College, PA 16801 www.The-Phyrst.com 814.234.4406 137 Elmwood St. s State College, PA 16801 www.HappyValleyBeer.com Wood-fire Grill 12 Beers on Tap 200 Year Old Barn 821 Cricklewood Dr. s Toftrees, State College www.AmericanAleHouse.net 814.237.9701 s Piano Bar s Sommelier 814.238.1406 814.234.7700 s 1611 Atherton St. s State College 814.941.7788 s Plank Rd. Exit s Altoona www.ChampsSportsGrill.net s Best Game Bar s Large Groups Welcome c lc e W We s p u o r G e g r a L s a e B m a st G e B s S n S h 1 A 1 6 1 0 0 7 7 4. 3 2 4. 1 8 me co r a l l C S r G s rt o p S s p m a h C . www s t i x . E d k R n a l P s 8 8 7 7 1. 4 9 . 4 1 8 S s . t n S o t r e h t 1 A 1 6 1 s 0 0 7 7 4. 3 2 4. 1 8 t e n . l l i r na o o t l A e g e l l o C e at t S

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