Big Ten preview: A look at the Penn State Nittany Lions
For a school that many people are touting as a Big Ten and BCS contender, Penn State sure seems to have a lot of question marks.
The Nittany Lions have a new receiving corps, new offensive line and some inexperience on defense.
So why is everyone so sure that Penn State will be at or near the top of the conference? The Nittany Lions have Daryll Clark at quarterback and Evan Royster in the backfield. It's really that simple.
VIDEO: JOE PATERNO SPEAKS AT BIG TEN MEDIA DAY
Joe Paterno is excited about the prospect of Clark taking command of the Big Ten with his strong arm and nimble legs. "He came out of nowhere, and he came out of nowhere because of me," said the coach, who regrets holding Clark back in the 2007 season.
Clark's shoulders hold Penn State's hopes. AnnArbor.com reporter Michael Rothstein is so high on Clark, he expects the QB to be in Midtown Manhattan for a certain December awards ceremony. AnnArbor.com football reporter Dave Birkett, while not quite predicting a Heisman for Clark, nonetheless predicts Penn State will win the Big Ten in today's edition of "For Argument's Sake."
If there's one weakness in the starting lineup, it may be along the offensive line, where the Nittany Lions replace three starters and are moving another to a new position.
And finally: Michigan isn't the only Big Ten school taking a little flak for its non-conference scheduling. But Joe Paterno defends Penn State's schedule, which includes games against Temple, Syracuse, Eastern Illinois and Akron.
Comments
azwolverine
Sat, Aug 8, 2009 : 12:57 p.m.
I'm not sold on PSU. Losing 3 offensive linemen, as uminks said, is huge. Even though some teams have lost some key parts, such as Ringer at MSU and Greene at Iowa, I think that losing the O line is even bigger. Having a very good QB and RB back is certainly a plus, but they need that line to produce. I see at least 2 losses.
MRblogfan1
Sat, Aug 8, 2009 : 10:01 a.m.
dont underestimate Eastern Illinois/Akron.
uminks
Fri, Aug 7, 2009 : 6:39 p.m.
Losing that many OL usually dose not bode well for a team. I think there running game will suffer and Clark will not perform that well. My thoughts are that PSU will lose 3 or 4 conference games. It may still be good enough to finish 3rd in the conference.
NoBowl4Blue
Fri, Aug 7, 2009 : 5:41 p.m.
If they beat OSU the Big 10 Title will be theirs. 1.PSU or OSU 2.OSU or PSU 3.MSU 4.ILL 5.Iowa 6.Wisc 7.U of M 8.NW 9.Minn 10.Purdue 11. Indiana Wisc Mich