BIG TEN FOOTBALL: Penn State Nittany Lions 2008 Season Predictions

Perhaps the biggest question surrounding the 2008 Nittany Lions is:  Will this be JoePa's last go round in Happy Valley?  The Nittany Lions have a lot of talent on offense, but no true superstar.  Who will emerge as quarterback, junior Daryll Clark or sophomore Pat Devlin?  The defense should be solid despite losing linebacker Sean Lee to a knee injury.

Here are my predictions for the Nittany Lions 2008 season.

8/30     COASTAL CAROLINA

A scrimmage before the PAC-10 comes to town.

Prediction:  Win (42-9)

9/06     OREGON STATE

The Beavers are rebuilding but will still be tough.  Home field advantage works in favor of the Nittany Lions.

Prediction:  Win (27-21)

9/13     at SYRACUSE

Syracuse has no defense and will give up a lot of big plays to Penn State's explosive receivers.

Prediction:  Win (31-7)

9/20     TEMPLE

One last tune-up before the start of the Big Ten season.

Prediction:  Win (38-7)

9/27     ILLINOIS

The rowdy Penn State atmosphere is the difference in this close one.

Prediction:  Win (27-24)

10/04  at PURDUE

A battle between two retiring Joes? 

Prediction:  Win (28-20)

10/11  at WISCONSIN

This will be a battle for the Big Ten Runner-Up spot. 

Prediction:  Loss (31-28)

10/18  MICHIGAN

Penn State ends it's losing streak against the Wolverines.

Prediction:  Win (28-24)

10/25  at OHIO STATE

The last time the Nittany Lions came to Columbus, JoePa had to run off the field to use the facilities.  This season he'll remain on the sidelines, although he may not want to.

Prediction:  Loss (31-14)

11/08  at IOWA

JoePa gets the boys back on track.

Prediction:  Win (24-17)

11/15  INDIANA

The Nittany Lions pull out a close victory.

Prediction:  Win (28-21)

11/22  MICHIGAN STATE

The Penn State student section can be thanked for this one.

Prediction:  Win (27-21)

Final Record:  10-2.  JoePa gets to ten wins, but he won't get to a BCS bowl.  I expect him to sign a new contract after the season, so there will always be 2009.