Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1541990
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 2 7 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M nique, what I do know stems from how the blocks up front are supposed to happen. In that regard, the film I watched of the Iowa State offensive line showed a competent and confident group that executed with an assertive understanding of their assignments and little confusion or hesitation. That quickness and speed helped under- powered and less-athletic linemen win blocks and spring runners into open space. From a quarterback standpoint, the passers have equal clarity about their as- signments and show the confidence to throw into tight windows without being risky with the ball. This is not to say that that the Cy- clones' current quarterback, redshirt junior Rocco Becht, doesn't make mis- takes or that the team hasn't had very bad games. The 2024 Big 12 Champi- onship Game was a disaster, with Iowa State losing 2 fumbles and throwing an interception in a 45-19 loss to Arizona State. But when the offense is humming, it's sharp, crisp and effective. Campbell focuses on simplicity, players, formation and plays. Iowa State runs a traditional spread offense with the quarterback in shot- gun almost every snap. The Cyclones use zone concepts primarily but have evolved to add in counter, trap and other pulling elements into the mix. Campbell primarily had two quar- terbacks in his 10 years at Iowa State — Brock Purdy and Becht. Both were mobile, but neither was an elite runner. However, selective running is part of the plan. The blueprint is similar to what James Franklin had at Penn State. Originally, Iowa State was an 11-per- sonnel offense, but Campbell believes in players over system and adapted to use more 12-personnel alignments when his tight end talent outweighed his receiver talent. There's a strong case that Campbell can foster a positive environment for quarterback development at Penn State. His offense asks the passer to read the defense and execute sound, traditional passing schemes. He could potentially elevate the play of the quarterback, and therefore the offense at PSU, while still having a strong run game. Defense The trickier fit when looking at Iowa State is the team's historic use of the 3-3-5 stack defense. It's an odd-front, three- safety defense that relies on numbers at the point of attack over traditional body types and players on the defensive line. Penn State has long used a four-down defensive front that features elite speed rushers off the edge. This defense limits the ability of true edge rushers to get after The Cyclones' starting quarterback the past three seasons, Rocco Becht has thrown for 9,274 yards and 64 touchdowns. PHOTO COURTESY IOWA STATE ATHLETICS