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There were times on Saturday at Temple where the Penn State offense was leaving a lot to be desired. The first example anyone would look at is the run game's inability to pick up tough yards, especially at the goal line.
"I'm less than thrilled with where the run game is at," Penn State offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser said. "That would be an understatement. I feel like there's a lot of growth to be had there."
On paper, 154 rushing yards on 34 carries isn't anything to panic over. Lead running back Carson Hansen carried the brunt of the work with 19 totes for 84 yards. James Peoples and Cam Wallace also got touches.
It makes it even more curious that Quinton Martin Jr. did not get a carry in the game.
"I just think there’s going to be so many guys throughout the season that are going to pop up and showcase themselves," Campbell said. "Quinton is certainly one of those guys we have great belief in."
Campbell also pointed out that there haven't been any negative runs from Hansen as he continues to be the lead man in the backfield. But he also feels the RBs will continue to work itself out, which includes Martin.
Mouser concurred.
"Quinton had a great camp," Mouser said. "He's good enough to help our football team. Quinton has earned the right to get touches in the offense. We're going to need that guy to make big plays in big moments this year. His time is coming. I have all the trust in him to go out there and play."
THE FUTURE OF NON-CONFERENCE
While Penn State has Marshall, Temple and Buffalo on its non-conference schedule this season, there were plenty of notable games throughout college football last weekend.
The No. 1 example came from No. 4 Texas knocking off top-ranked Ohio State in Austin. Michigan also played a ranked foe in Oklahoma, while there was another huge upset as Oklahoma State stunned Oregon.
Campbell said he has not talked with athletic director Pat Kraft of what the non-conference schedule might look like moving forward.
There is also the possibility of an expanded College Football Playoff as soon as 2027.
"I think as the world changes around us, do we go to a 24-team playoff? What does all that look like,?" said Campbell. "What’s best for Penn State moving forward? What’s best for our football program? I think as the landscape settles around us, I probably would have a better opinion knowing what the future of that holds."
PROPOSED BILL THOUGHTS
There is a possibility of a vote from the Senate on the Protect College Sports Act as soon as later this week.
The proposed bill establishes requirements of Name, Image and Likeness agreements for student-athletes. The bill also allows athletes to transfer one time without losing eligibility, and it restricts football coaches to become a head coach at another school before the end of the season.
Campbell admitted he probably wouldn't be the best person to ask the question, but he is receptive to the betterment of the future of college athletics.
"Being in this profession for the student-athlete experience, you want to get the right guardrails and get these things in a better space," Campbell said. "If that’s what it’s going to be, that would be awesome."
HONORING 1986 TEAM
The national champion Nittany Lions of 1986 will be celebrating their 40-year reunion this weekend. PSU knocked off Miami, 14-10, in the Fiesta Bowl that season for the national championship.
Campbell brought back players from many different decades over the summer, and the moment's importance is very apparent with the current players.
"We're super blessed to have people like that in our history that we can rely on and go back and watch their film or reach out to them," Burkle said. "We want to make them proud."
Sowell had a conversation last weekend with former Nittany Lion defensive lineman Jordan Hill, who is now the program's director of player development, about being excited to see the national champions.
"That's what greatness is, and that's what greatness looks like," Sowell said.
GREETINGS
A reporter opened the press conference by asking Campbell how he was doing on Tuesday. The reporter then told Campbell it was a running joke.
"I've heard," Campbell said with a smile.
Former coach James Franklin frequently wanted to say hello to reporters before they asked questions. He had a similar interaction with a reporter at Virginia Tech on Monday.
NOTABLE
• Saturday is the annual THON game, which was one of the more powerful moments for Campbell since arriving in December.
"The work they have been doing has been unbelievably impressive," Campbell said. "What a great tradition."
• Next Saturday's homecoming game vs. Wisconsin was announced on Monday for a 5 p.m. kickoff. The game will be available for streaming only on Peacock.