Penn State takes its new run game, led by Cam Wallace, to Washington

Penn State heads to Seattle on Saturday with something it did not have for most of October: a running game. The Nittany Lions ran for 269 yards in their 31-17 win over Purdue. It was their first Big Ten victory under Matt Campbell and it ended a four-game skid. The question now is whether that performance holds up against Washington or turns out to be a product of the opponent.

In its preview from the Washington side, SB Nation's UW Dawg Pound notes that this is Penn State's first trip to Seattle since 1921. The preview describes an offense that ranks 47th nationally at 393 yards per game and 91st on third down at 36 percent. Rocco Becht, the fifth-year quarterback who followed Campbell and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser from Iowa State, threw nine touchdowns and no interceptions over the 3-0 start. During the losing streak he threw three touchdowns and all five of his interceptions. Some fans want him benched, but the preview says Campbell is sticking with him.

The run game turned around because of a reserve. Junior Cam Wallace made his first start against Purdue and ran 22 times for 135 yards and a touchdown. StateCollege.com reported that he doubled his previous career high in touches, two years after breaking both ankles as a freshman. Becht told the outlet that Wallace runs the ball in a way "unlike any other running back." Carson Hansen, who has 374 yards this season, is still the between-the-tackles option.

The passing game depends on who is healthy. Chase Sowell, the top deep threat with 34 catches for 510 yards, and speed receiver Koby Howard both missed the Purdue game. PennLive reported that both could return this week. The UW Dawg Pound preview lists Howard as still questionable. Without them, Penn State played a lot of two-tight-end sets around Benjamin Brahmer and kept the ball for roughly 43 minutes. PennLive also noted that Penn State went 3-for-3 on fourth down against Purdue and is 12-for-15 on the season.

What it means for Saturday at Washington

Penn State's season has split in two. The Nittany Lions outscored Marshall, Temple and Buffalo 127-22. In five Big Ten games they have averaged 21 points and given up 25.4. Losses to Wisconsin (24-20), Michigan (21-18) and USC (31-23) were all one-score games. Only the 34-13 loss at Northwestern was lopsided.

Washington is 5-3 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten, according to PennLive. The Huskies beat Nebraska last week after Demond Williams came off the bench and threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Chris Lawson with 90 seconds left. USC is the only team both sides have played. The Trojans beat Washington 25-21 and Penn State 31-23, so that comparison says little.

The UW Dawg Pound preview argues that Washington's defense is at its best when it hurries the quarterback. That puts the pressure on Penn State's offense to stay ahead of the chains. If the Nittany Lions can run on early downs and Sowell is back to stretch the field, they can control the clock the way they did against Purdue. If they fall into third-and-long, Becht has to win with his arm, which he has rarely done against Big Ten defenses this year. Kickoff is Saturday on FS1.