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Penn State’s Hackenberg focused on putting his best footwork forward

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — James Franklin said he always has been under the impression that 90 percent of a quarterback’s bad throws from in the pocket are the result of poor footwork.

Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg attempted just 19 passes a week ago in a win in the rain against Rutgers, the second-lowest number of attempts in his collegiate career. Through three games, Penn State’s passing attack has been thrust to the side while riding the success of freshman running back Saquon Barkley, who racked up 310 rushing yards in the past two games.

Hackenberg, a junior, hasn’t thrown for 200-plus yards in a game this year and Penn State (2-1) will look to find a more balanced offense starting at 3:30 p.