Paterno may shuffle the offensive line

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — The reasons abound for Penn State’s sputtering running game.

Tailbacks are making bad reads. Linemen need to hold blocks longer. Opposing defenses are stacking the box.

As the early non-conference schedule nears an end with Saturday’s game against Temple, it’s time for the No. 5 Nittany Lions (2-0) to shape up, center Stefen Wisniewski said.

“Yeah, I do think the sense of urgency is definitely picking up,” the junior said Tuesday. “It’s not going to be acceptable anymore to have some of the mistakes that we’ve had the first two games.”

Whatever the reason, Penn State is averaging 107 yards on the ground, a paltry sum for a team featuring Evan Royster, the Big Ten’s top returning tailback.

The formula for victory the first two weeks against overmatched Akron and rebuilding Syracuse has been a solid-to-good defense and an effective passing game, which has led to the Nittany Lions outscoring opponents, 59-14.

“I’d even be content to live with you guys if we win,” Paterno told reporters when asked if he’d be satisfied with a pass-happy attack if Penn State keeps winning. “I don’t think that’s even a question, really. We’re going to do what we can to win.”

Still, the run is Penn State’s most glaring early season weakness.

The ground game especially came to a halt in the red zone last week against Syracuse, when the Orange stood up the Nittany Lions on four straight plays inside the 2, culminating in a bad snap exchange between Wisniewski and quarterback Daryll Clark on fourth down that led to a turnover.

The Orange, Paterno said, kept stuffing the box with eight, sometimes nine players.

“I think the kids kept their poise. Outside the fumble on the goal line, we’re starting to play with some poise,” Paterno said.

Running between the tackles might need the most work. Against Syracuse, Penn State shuttled in second-string guards last week after the first stringers, left guard Matt Stankiewitch and right guard Lou Eliades, struggled.

Paterno was cryptic Tuesday when asked if changes were in the works in the starting lineup.

“Well, we might. We’ll see what goes on this week,” he said.

Wisniewski and left tackle Dennis Landolt, both returnees from last year’s solid line but playing new positions, are locks to stay in the lineup, and right tackle DeOn’tae Pannell is also probably safe. The little success that Penn State has had on the ground this year has come outside with Landolt, Pannell or fullback Joe Suhey leading the way.

“We’re a project in development,” Paterno said about the revamped line.