[81alum]

I agree that penalties are a big part of the problem.  Another part of the issue are the defenses we face.

We are averaging 6 yards per carry running against mostly base defenses.  In previous years we were averaging 5.43 yards per carry running against 8 and 9 in the box. 

The defensive coordinators do not fear our running game to the extent they used to, and so they hope to control it with fewer defenders.  This gives them an extra safety or two for pass defense and thus Hogan does not get as many long throws as did. 

So, paradoxically,  the lack of a sufficiently threatening running game has had more of an effect on our passing than on our running.  We get about the same running results against easier defenses, but pay the price by facing better pass coverage.  Defensive coordinators want to make Hogan throw into tight windows on third down.  That is their scheme.

I do think the solution is to run more.  Run until the opponents are forced to commit their safeties to the run box, like before.  Then Hogan's play action become far more effective on all downs.

[81alum]

I agree that penalties are a big part of the problem.  Another part of the issue are the defenses we face.

We are averaging 6 yards per carry running against mostly base defenses.  In previous years we were averaging 5.43 yards per carry running against 8 and 9 in the box. 

The defensive coordinators do not fear our running game to the extent they used to, and so they hope to control it with fewer defenders.  This gives them an extra safety or two for pass defense and thus Hogan does not get as many long throws as did. 

So, paradoxically,  the lack of a sufficiently threatening running game has had more of an effect on our passing than on our running.  We get about the same running results against easier defenses, but pay the price by facing better pass coverage.  Defensive coordinators want to make Hogan throw into tight windows on third down.  That is their scheme.

I do think the solution is to run more.  Run until the opponents are forced to commit their safeties to the run box, like before.  Then Hogan's play action become far more effective on all downs.