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However, losing so much experience on the defensive side of the ball will prove to be too much for this team. Penn State will not have to deal with a front seven that recorded 44 sacks last year (only two returning on the front seven) and should be able to run the ball effectively on this young Beavers defense.
I expect a big game for Evan Royster, with Brent Carter and Stephon Green handling the ball as well. I believe this is the game we really see what Stephon Green can do with his electrifying speed. Penn State should win this game, 38-10.
@ Syracuse Orange
This is a team that has experienced the worst three-year stretch in their history. Based on their lack of experience and schedule, year four does not appear to be any better. This could be the last year for Greg Robinson if his Orange does not improve.
Their offensive line has been their main problem for the past few years, and it should be a problem again when the Nittany Lions come to town with one of the top defensive lines in the nation. Expect there to be lots of blue and white at the Carrier Dome on Sep. 13, and expect another big win for the Nittany Lions.
With many issues in the secondary for the Orange, expect Daryl Clark to show off what he can do in the passing game, with Pat Devlin also receiving time. Penn State wins this game, 41-7.
Temple Owls
Al Golden has done a great job improving Temple over the years, and many say he will be the one to succeed Joe Paterno at Penn State. However, Temple is still a team that will be overmatched on this day. Temple's strength is its defense, which was one of the best in the MAC in 2007 and was tops in Red Zone defense.
The Owls struggled on offense and don't appear to be much improved in 2008. Averaging just 16 points a game last year ranked them 116th nationally on offense, and facing an experienced Penn State defense with one of the best defensive lines in the nation won't help Temple.
Expect both teams to struggle to score points early. Penn State will have some issues dealing with the Owls', front seven but eventually the talent level will prevail. Penn State wins this matchup, 42-3.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Now we begin the Big Ten Schedule with a nationally televised night game against the Illinois Fighting Illini. This is a team that surprised many last year and beat both Penn State and Ohio State on its way to a Rose Bowl bid.
Ron Zook has obviously done a great job recruiting and has put Illinois back on the map as a formidable team in the Big Ten. Returning 13 total starters (seven on offense and five on defense, plus one kicker) gives this team a chance to be a top team in the Big Ten again. Their opening game at Missouri will provide a litmus test on how good this team really can be.
Juice Williams has shown inconsistency in the passing game but has found a way to win games with his legs. Running back Rashard Mendenhall's departure will be very tough to replace and will put more pressure on Juice to make big plays with his legs.
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