Taylor Mouser Addresses Penn State’s Run Game Struggles, Quinton Martin Jr.’s Saturday Absence

While Penn State has cruised to a 2-0 start by a combined score of 72-9, the running game has been the most glaring cause for concern in the early going of the season.

Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser isn’t shying away from that reality, addressing it head on while speaking to the media on Tuesday morning.

“To say that I’m less than thrilled with where the run game’s at would be an understatement,” Mouser said. “I feel like there’s a lot of growth to be had there.”

Through two contests, the Nittany Lions’ four running backs are averaging 4.3 yards per carry, led by James Peoples with 4.9 per touch. When factoring in quarterback runs and wide receiver Koby Howard’s lone carry from Saturday, the team is averaging 3.9 yards per rush.

And while those numbers are simply mediocre, the concerning part is the caliber of defense Penn State has faced so far from Marshall and Temple. The Thundering Herd allowed more yards per carry against Middle Tennessee (5.0) than the Nittany Lions (3.6), and the Owls aren’t particularly stout against the run either.

Mouser, however, shouldered the blame for the struggles.

“I think as you can probably tell, we’re all frustrated with the level of mediocrity that I would call the run game, and that starts with me,” Mouser said. “I’m more mad at myself than I am the O-line, and we want to be a team that prides itself on being the most physical football team and running the football and showing progress for the first two weeks. We have to figure out a way that we can be dominant on the ground.”

Carson Hansen has been the bell-cow back so far, leading the group with 61 snaps compared to 32 for Peoples, 19 for Quinton Martin Jr. and 17 for Cam Wallace. He also leads in carries with 30 compared to 15 for Peoples, 12 for Smith and 10 for Martin.

Hansen has lagged behind his production from the previous two seasons when he was a starter at Iowa State, averaging 5.0 yards per carry in 2024 and 5.1 in 2025. He’s often struggled to find gaps created by blockers or break tackles in one-on-one situations against defensive backs, two issues that have been glaring.

“I think Carson’s a great football player, and I don’t think I’ve done a good enough job as the offensive coordinator showcasing him, getting our offense in a rhythm on the ground to where we can showcase what that guy is,” Mouser said. “He was an all-conference running back for us last year. Does that mean he’s an All-Big Ten running back? No, it doesn’t. But I just know the level of work that that guy brings and the physicality and how important it is to him.”

He also pointed out that Hansen hasn’t been stopped for a loss on any touches so far, which gives a sense of comfort even if the explosives haven’t been there.

Mouser has stated all four running backs will contribute this season, but Martin was the only one who didn’t see the field last Saturday. Fans have clamored for an increase in usage, which may be coming. 

“Everything is being evaluated to help our pass game better and run game better,” Mouser said. “And Quinton is earning the right to get touches in the offense.”

The offensive coordinator said the package against Temple which featured wide receiver Koby Howard lined up in the backfield for two plays took away from Martin’s snaps while they tried something new.

According to head coach Matt Campbell, snap distribution on gamedays will partially be determined by practice performance, with the staff willing to be flexible and play the hot hand.

“That room is going to continue to work itself out as we work through the weeks and work through these games,” Campbell said. “But you know, we’re grateful that there’s a lot of guys that can do a lot of things with the ball in their hand. So we’ll be excited to see how practice kind of progresses this week for sure.”