Penn State Football: Stephfon Green Should Start Against Temple

Evan Royster should look in the rear-view mirror, because Stephfon Green is coming up quickly.

After being pulled from the game against Kent State this past Saturday, Royster's future role with the team is in question.

Is Joe Paterno investing more of his trust in Green?

Green's durability has been Joe Pa's main concern with the junior, but after 11 carries for 59 yards against Kent State, it appears Greene is beginning to win Paterno over.

And why not?

The two backs had similar performances against Kent State, but Green was the better of the two when the final whistle was blown.

Compared to Green, Royster gained 43 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown, but also fumbled the football in the third quarter.

With 2,918 yards rushing entering the 2010 season, it was almost set it stone that Royster was going to become Penn State football's all-time leading rusher.

But after three games, the 6-1, 228 pound senior has only gained 110 yards on the ground, followed closely by Green, who has 104 yards rushing in as many games.

Don't get me wrong. I have nothing but respect for him, but I think it would do the team good if there was a switch in starting running backs.

It would be a message to the Penn State team that if you're not performing, you will have your job stripped.

No matter who you are.

Right now, Green is performing at a high level, and he should be rewarded for his passionate running between the tackles.

The Bronx, New York native is hungry to prove that he can handle the knocks and bruises that come with being a starting back in the Big Ten, and he will be ready if he is named the starter come this Saturday against Temple.

Joe Paterno said this team needs to "get better" in all phases of the game.

Against Temple, starting Green would be the first step in the right direction.