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Penn State delivered an impressive rushing effort last Saturday in Michigan, producing 254 yards and three rushing touchdowns. This explosion in Ann Arbor happened without a second runback Devyn ford, who was grappling with a death in his family.
“He and his family have made this decision, which we fully support,” said Nittany Lions head coach James franklin said Tuesday. “It was obviously important for Devyn to be able to come home, and he was able to do it last week. … Whenever we have to deal with some type of family emergency and a situation like that, we always will. be as united as possible. “
Ford, who started four straight games before his absence, has since returned to campus. According to Franklin, protocols related to the pandemic made this process more complicated than usual.
“With COVID, it amplifies,” he says. “If there is no COVID, a guy can go home and come back if he wants and is able depending on the family circumstances. You can send him back directly. But with COVID, that makes it difficult. … back for practice on Sunday. “
Personal matters Ford dealt with last week aside, there was already uncertainty over his status for the Michigan game due to an early exit Nov. 21 against Iowa, when he left. the pitch during the first half competition and never returned. Ultimately, any potential medical issues dating back to that game remain unknown, as well as any lingering concerns about returning to an active role in the Penn State backfield, although Franklin has addressed this to some extent.
“Devyn is available,” he says.
Without Ford, a former top 100 prospect, Penn State went to Ann Arbor with only a pair of scholarship running backs: real freshmen Caziah Holmes and Keyvone lee.
Lee earned the starting title, then the Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors with 134 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries in a 27-17 victory. He has scored in three straight games and now leads all Nittany Lions running backs with 227 rushing yards (5.5 per carry).
“He was our fourth / fifth running back, and I’m not saying it in a negative way. We had one of the most respected half-race halls in the country,” Franklin said. “… He weighs 230 pounds, he breaks tackles and he falls forward. “
Ford entered October as Penn State’s third running back, but the dynamics changed dramatically when 2019 led the race, Journey Brown, was forced into early retirement due to heart disease and Noah Cain suffered a late-season injury on Penn State’s first possession in Game 1.
Nittany Lions coach supports Ja’Juan Seider recently praised Ford’s willingness to become a mentor for freshmen. The question now is whether Lee did enough to stay in the starting lineup when Ford returns to the game. They share an “OR” designation atop the last PSU depth map.
Ford ranks third among Penn State players with 209 rushing yards (3.7 per carry) and two touchdowns. Strategist Sean clifford is the team’s top runner with 255 yards, while fellow QB Will levis (121 yards) and Holmes (137 yards) also factored into the rushing game.
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