Penn State has many issues, but Rocco Becht’s inaccuracy is No. 1 [opinion]

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

EVANSTON, Ill. – Yes, Northwestern gashed Penn State’s defense for more than 400 rushing yards Friday night.

And, yes, the Nittany Lions missed a bunch of tackles and mustered just 48 yards on the ground on offense.

The Wildcats debuted the new Ryan Field by physically punishing Penn State, like the whipping that Michigan inflicted on the Lions in 2022 and that Michigan State did in 1997.

All those things contributed to Northwestern’s dominant 34-13 victory.

But the most troubling issue that Penn State has is quarterback Rocco Becht’s inaccuracy.

For the second straight game, Becht missed open receivers several times. He completed 26-of-41 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions.

He sailed a pass over Chase Sowell inside the Northwestern 25 in the third quarter and then two snaps later overthrew Zay Robinson down the left sideline for what could have been a touchdown.

Penn State coach Matt Campbell said he never considered replacing Becht with backup Alex Manske, even when the Lions fell behind 31-7 late in the third quarter.

Campbell defended Becht, who began the season as the most experienced quarterback in the FBS. His decision to transfer from Iowa State and join Campbell at Penn State was considered a big plus.

“Rocco’s proven that he can work through a game where it’s not perfect,” Campbell said. “He has the ability to adjust. He’s proven he has the ability to do it. He’s a winner. He’s won a lot of football games (29 as a starting quarterback at Iowa State and Penn State).

“He’s worked through hard situations before. We’re in one of those right now. His leadership and ability to navigate the rough waters will help us get out of it.”

The Lions’ meaningless 68-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter was the first one that they’ve had since pummeling Buffalo two weeks ago. They’ve scored just 16 points in the last six quarters.

So with the offense struggling mightily, it’s natural to dissect how the quarterback is playing. And he hasn’t played well the last two weeks.

“I’ve gotten blown out before against a team like Northwestern, who’s good, physical on defense and sound,” Becht said. “And I’ve won a lot of games. I’ve been down in the dumps really bad and I brought myself back up.

“I’m not going to sulk and tell myself that I’m bad at football. I’m going to continue to do what I do. I’m going to continue to get better because that’s all I know.”

Becht’s only touchdown pass Friday night was a 16-yarder to Chase Sowell, but he missed him at least three times when he was open. Sowell has played with Becht for 17 games.

“I have a bunch of confidence in him,” Sowell said. “He’s proven. He’s played against Iowa three times (and won twice). He’s been around the Big Ten. It’s not intimidating him. It’s finding what works.”

The absence of the elusive Koby Howard the last two weeks because of an unspecified injury has hurt Becht more than anyone else. Becht looked much more confident and comfortable with Howard on the field.

It would help Becht if Penn State can generate a productive ground game. Without one, Northwestern dropped defenders into coverage and made it even harder on the passing game.

“Without a running game that’s consistent, the only way you’re going to create explosive plays is with dropback passing,” Campbell said. “It’s a really hard way to live.”

Were the last two games a blip in Becht’s career? Or the beginning of a season-long struggle?

“My confidence is high,” he said. “I know I can play my best football. I’ve played in a lot of games. I know how to win. It’s maybe a detail here or there accuracy-wise. My confidence is super high and super high in this team. That’s not going to waver.”

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos