Penn State Football: 6-0 Start Not Impossible in 2012

The 2012 season for the Penn State Nittany Lions kicks off in less than a month. This year’s team will be eager to show the nation that in spite of all that has happened, they are ready to win football games despite an uphill battle due to circumstances beyond their control. 

Several key starters have chosen to transfer, leaving head coach Bill O’Brien with some big holes to fill.

While experts are not expecting much from the Lions this year, a close look at the schedule shows many chances for success. Penn State could very well start the season 6-0.

It all kicks off at Beaver Stadium on September 1^stagainst the Ohio Bobcats. The atmosphere should be electric as fans are excited to kick off a new era of Penn State Football. I see them having a fairly easy time with the Bobcats.

Week two presents the first road test of the season as the Nittany Lions travel to Virginia.  Always
a tough place to play, this game will give O’Brien’s squad a chance to show what they are made of.  This will be a tough, close game, but PSU should pull out the victory.

Navy comes into Happy Valley for the third game of the year. The option offense always gives teams fits, but this Penn State team should be prepared for it. If the PSU offense can control the ball, a low-scoring victory should be in the cards.

Week four brings the familiar Temple Owls into State College. Penn State has owned the series against the Owls, though the last two games have been very close. Again, the home crowd should help in another tight victory.

The season really gets going in week five with the start of Big Ten play. The Nittany Lions travel to Illinois, a place that has given them some trouble in the past. This game could go either way. I’ll give it marginally to the Lions.

The first half of the schedule concludes with a visit from Northwestern on Homecoming. Emotions will be high with all of the returning alumni. The Wildcats have been another tough opponent over the past few seasons. However, a sold out Beaver Stadium will be rocking and hopefully celebrating a perfect
start to the season.

Of course, a lot can happen over the course of a season.  Penn State will have to rely heavily on its veteran leaders.

2012 is going to be a trying season for the Nittany Lions and all of their fans.

 A 6-0 start would go a long way to make this a memorable season.

Difficult yes, but not impossible.