Penn State Football: 2008 Predictions

This is by far the most intriguing game on the schedule.  Penn State has lost their last nine meetings to the Wolverines.  And this is their homecoming game!  But this will be the year.

Penn State played their best game by far last year on homecoming against a difficult opponent in Wisconsin.  Michigan has a new coach and is implementing a new system.  Penn State rebounds from their Wisconsin loss with a decisive win.

Penn State 34, Michigan 13

Ohio State returns almost their whole team from their National Runner-Up season last year.  However, I firmly say they won't enjoy as much success in the Big Ten this year as they have for the past two years.

Penn State has usually played Ohio State very closely, with the exception of last season.  Ohio State ran up and down the field and completed any pass they needed to against the highly touted PSU defense.  The inept Penn State offense was unable to do anything against the Buckeye defense.

Penn State will want revenge after last year, but I believe they come into this game a little overconfident from their Michigan win.  The Buckeyes have figured out how to beat the Lions.

Ohio State 27, Penn State 12

After a week off, Penn State should be well prepared for a young Hawkeye squad.  Iowa will be much better this year than last, as they showed improvement over the course of the year.

I expect Penn State to play extremely well, and they will need all of it to win this game.  I am looking forward to a great season from Evan Royster, but I think around this time Stephfon Green will start to make his mark as well.

Penn State 24, Iowa 20

This is an Indiana team that should be playing with a lot of confidence after qualifying for a bowl last season.  Unfortunately, they still aren't very good.  They could give the Lions a relatively close game, but they are no threat to beat PSU at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State 33, Indiana 21

Penn State's loss against Michigan State last season was the one game they should have won.  Although MSU was a bowl-quality team, Penn State lost a lead late in a game that signified everything the Morelli era stood for.  Penn State had everything they needed to win, but just could not pull through.

With only two losses to this point, Penn State will look to finish their season strong and should be able to win this game.  Michigan State is traditionally very poor in the later part of their season.

While Penn State may be out of the Big Ten race at this point, I expect this performance to boost their bowl status significantly.

Penn State 45, Michigan State 20

It should be a three team race for the Big Ten title between Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Penn State.  I think the edge goes to Wisconsin, and Ohio State and Penn State tie for second with two Big Ten losses apiece.

Ohio State holds the tiebreak but should have no shot at a BCS bowl after getting thrashed by USC in the regular season, and with Wisconsin taking the Rose Bowl spot.

Penn State takes the bid to the Hall of Fame Bowl against the third-place SEC team.  They should win their bowl game for the fourth straight year, catapulting them into a top 10 ranking to end the season.

All in all, I expect a great season from the Nittany Lions.  They have the talent and personnel to win a lot of games, and I get the feeling they will pull it together this year. 

FINAL RECORD: 11-2

With a great season, Joe Paterno may give more thought to retirement.  I wouldn't be surprised if this is his last season.  Of course, he is more than welcome to stay as long as he wants. 

Feel free to leave comments, questions, and games you disagree with.

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