Blue White Illustrated

that can't be resolved until 2015 or even 2016? It's obvious that the line will have to make some progress if Penn State is to be more competitive against its upcoming opponents than it was in a 29-6 home loss to Northwestern. If it doesn't im- prove, the o7ense will remain one-di- mensional and the rushing attack will languish at or near the bottom of the Big Ten's statistical charts. There is one piece of encouraging news that could give the Nittany Lions a li8 in the second half of the season. There ap- pears to be a growing consensus that Di- e7enbach will be back on the 6eld at some point, possibly as soon as the Ohio State game. His presence at the le8 guard position won't come close to solv- ing all the depth and experience prob- lems that Penn State's o7ensive line is facing, but it could 6ll a much-needed leadership void. With Die7enbach back in action, Penn State would come close to doubling its starting game experience across the en- tire line. That's what a veteran player can do for a unit that is virtually devoid of experience. In addition to Die7enbach's potential return, the coaching sta7 could make some schematic changes that might im- prove communication and reduce the likelihood of mental mistakes. Franklin said several times in September and ear- ly October that miscommunication has been the line's biggest problem this sea- son. While the lack of depth has been an ongoing issue, it's a problem that can only be addressed through recruiting and is the opposite of a quick 6x. But the miscommunication that has hampered Penn State throughout the season can be addressed in a meaningful way over the next six games. Penn State had a bye week leading up to the Michigan game, and it has another one on Oct. 18 heading into the Ohio State game the following Saturday. I wouldn't be surprised if Franklin and his sta7 were to use that time to simplify the running game in hope of getting it back in gear. That might mean installing more zone blocking schemes with quick-hit- ting running plays, pitches and stretch plays. It could simply mean working hard to eliminate mental mistakes and mis- communication between players across the entire o7ensive line. This much is certain: Penn State cannot continue to be completely one-dimensional in the sec- ond half of the season, and cutting down on mental mistakes is the only way that it can make the short-term improve- ments it needs in its 6nal six games. The depth problems won't magically disappear during the second half of the season. There is no short-term 6x for that problem. Franklin and his sta7 need to make the o7ensive line a very high priority in the classes of 2015, '16 and beyond. To date, Franklin has proved he's a very capable recruiter. As of this writing, Penn State's Class of 2015 was rated ninth in the country by Rivals.com. It contains three four-star o7ensive line recruits in tackle Sterling Jenkins, guard/tackle Ryan Bates and guard Steven Gonzalez, and there is a distinct possibility that one or two more four- star linemen will join the class before signing day on Feb. 4. Continued recruiting success will eventually solve Penn State's depth problems across the o7ensive line – problems that are without question the No. 1 reason why the o7ense was totally one-dimensional throughout the 6rst half of the season. Yes, there is a chance the Nittany Li- ons will be able to improve their play during the second half of the season, but don't expect them to 6eld one of the Big Ten's more balanced o7enses in October and November, even if they do make strides. The most signi6cant improve- ments will most likely take place in 2015 and beyond. Given the way Franklin has shown he can recruit, I'm convinced that in the years to come, Penn State will be able to 6eld one of the most balanced and excit- ing o7ensive machines in the Big Ten. This is a work in progress, and some pa- tience will be required, but I have a lot of faith in the coaching sta7's ability to ad- dress the challenges that lie ahead. ■

• Cover