Mano-A-Mano: Pass vs. Run

This week, we’re breaking from Mano-A-Mano tradition and having a Womano-A-Womano.

So far this season, it’s clear the Quakers rely more on their passing game than their running game. But should that be the case? Senior Sports Editor Megan Soisson and football beat writer Anna Strong break down the Penn offense and debate which unit is serving the Red and Blue better.

Anna Strong: Of the 723 yards of total offense the Quakers have through the first two games of the season, 486 of them — roughly 67 percent — have come from passing. Penn completes 63 percent of its attempts and averages 10.3 yards per catch.

Averaging a first down per reception is a good sign, and the fact that 27 of Penn’s 39 first downs came from passes shows that Ragone and Holland are capable of making those crucial plays.

Megan Soisson: That first down stat is padded because Penn chooses to pass the ball 57 percent of the time, though most of that came in the first week. And Penn can’t find a happy medium through the air — it’s either seven interceptions or 142 yards. Neither is impressive.

Sure, those stats are nice. But what are the Quakers gaining from that? Stalled drives and a lackluster offense that’s far from explosive.

When the passing game isn’t working, that doesn’t help the run, but Penn would benefit from opening up the stable and letting Jeff Jack, Lyle Marsh and Brandon Colavita really run free. The running back corps hasn’t been productive, but that’s only because it hasn’t been given the opportunity. They’ve averaged 4.2 yards per carry, but on just 57 total attempts.

AS: Granted, the quarterbacks had some problems passing against Lafayette in the season opener with those interceptions. But that was resolved against Villanova — Penn didn’t turn the ball over once.

Holland did his part, going 11-for-17 for 102 yards and one touchdown pass, replacing Ragone late in the first half. Wideouts Joe Holder and Conner Scott had solid days with 41 and 29 yards receiving, respectively.

MS: Wait, you think 41 and 29 yards receiving is solid? It’s average at best. Par for the course.

Holland’s stat line wasn’t bad, but it’s not great either. And in this assessment, I’m more concerned about team passing stats. I repeat: 142 passing yards in a game is chump change, and their yards per completion was a paltry 9.5 compared to ’Nova’s 16.4

We haven’t seen much from either the passing game or the running game, but it’s time for Penn to get back to powerhouse football and pound the gridiron.

AS: The Quakers opted to err on the side of caution against Villanova exactly because of the seven picks thrown at the Lafayette game, but the fact that Penn could only put eight points on the board given its offensive numbers is disappointing. Both quarterbacks could take more risks and take advantage of their receivers, who have demonstrated their ability to get open, even against stingy Lafayette and Villanova defenses.

This will be especially important against Dartmouth, whose defense has allowed 453 passing yards. That defense, however, has successfully limited opponents to 162 rushing yards, which shows they are better at protecting the run. The Quakers should take full advantage of this. The Big Green have also not managed a single interception all season, which should give the Penn quarterbacks a little more confidence in the pocket.

MS: Those are great stats, Anna, and maybe we’ll see some real production in the air this weekend. But this can’t be the solution for the season. The running backs need a chance to shine, because there’s some serious talent in that group.

Verdict: This one wasn’t even left up to the judges — Megan picks up the KO. Hopefully for Penn’s sake, the coaching staff heeds her advice and runs the ball. Open up the stable and release the thoroughbreds!