Penn State Football: 10 Predictions for Next Season

Penn State heads into the 2012 season without several key players on both sides of the ball, and without Joe Paterno.

This will be Penn State's first season without Paterno at the helm since 1965.

The Nittany Lions must adjust their personnel under new head coach Bill O'Brien. Penn State will face an early test in Week 2 when they travel to face an upstart Virginia program.

Penn State will need several new starters to emerge as contributors—and leaders—if they want to improve on their nine wins in 2011.

Success can't be measured until Week 1 of next season, but it is never too early to predict certain aspects of the 2012 Nittany Lion team.

Silas Redd Will Run for 1,500 Yards

Silas Redd had 1,241 yards on 244 carries in 2011. Redd also scored seven touchdowns on the ground.

Expect Redd's production to jump again in 2012. He will be a true junior, and in his second season as the Nittany Lion starting ball carrier.

Another year of experience combined with Redd's obvious talent will make No. 25 a terror for opposing defenses next season. The only possible hurdle could be the Nittany Lion offensive line: Penn State must replace four starters up front.

If Penn State's front line can mesh and create holes, Redd will be on everyone's radar by season's end.

Look for 1,500 yards from this very talented Penn State running back.

Paul Jones Will Take over at Quarterback by the Season's End

Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden were both severely underwhelming behind center in 2011. Paul Jones was academically ineligible for the length of the season, but figures to be back in the mix in 2012.

Jones is the most talented quarterback on the Penn State roster. If he can keep bring his mental tools up to par with his physical attributes, Penn State's quarterback quandary could be answered.

The Nittany Lions must have more production from their passing attack if they want to be successful next season. That production starts—and ends—with the player taking the snaps.

A new coaching staff will be itching to make their mark early on next season. Don't be surprised if they pick Jones to lead the charge.

Michael Mauti Will Stay Healthy

Michael Mauti is Penn State's best defensive player: when he is healthy. However, he suffered a knee injury in 2009 and 2011. Both knee injuries forced Mauti to miss extensive time.

Mauti is a game-changing presence at linebacker. He is a sure tackler with excellent instincts and he has the speed to cover the entire field.

Penn State's linebacking core is already solid. Glenn Carson, Khairi Fortt and Gerald Hodges all return from the 2011 squad.

If Mauti can stay healthy, Penn State's defense will be a force again in 2012.

Eugene Lewis Will Make His Name Known

Eugene Lewis will have Nittany Lion faithful buzzing as soon as he takes the field for spring practice.

Lewis comes to Penn State from Wyoming Valley West where he saw time all over the field—including quarterback. Lewis enters Happy Valley slated as a wide receiver.

The loss of Derek Moye leaves a spot open on the Penn State depth chart. Experienced players may get first crack at filling the void, but Lewis' talent will turn heads.

Lewis doesn't have breakaway speed, but he runs solid routes. He is elusive in the open field and knows how to find the end zone once he sees daylight.

Penn State needs playmakers on offense. Lewis will make his name known sooner rather than later for the Nittany Lions.

Pete Massaro Will Make a Big Impact on Defensive Line

Pete Massaro had 3.5 sacks in 2010. He was one of Penn State's biggest pass-rushing threats.

Massaro missed the entire 2011 season with a torn ACL. Now that he is healthy, look for Massaro to make a big impact in 2012.

Penn State loses Jack Crawford and Eric Lattimore from their front four. Massaro will need to produce alongside Sean Stanley for Penn State to make life hard on opposing offenses.

The Nittany Lions need Massaro to stay healthy. He brings a consistent and experienced presence to the Nittany Lion defense.

Look for Massaro to grab at least five sacks in 2012.

Gerald Hodges Will Collect All-Big Ten Honors

Gerald Hodges made the right move by returning to Penn State for his senior season.

Hodges had 97 tackles, 4.5 sacks and one interception in 2011. He was Penn State's best defensive player outside of Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Devon Still.

Penn State is losing six major contributors from their 2011 defense. The Nittany Lions will need Hodges to continue his 2011 success into next season. Hodges will be a senior—his leadership and production will be extremely important to Penn State's success next year.

Look for Hodges to answer the call and collect All-Big Ten honors next season.

Malcolm Willis Will Be Better Than Either of 2011's Safeties

Malcolm Willis had 30 tackles and one interception in 2011 as a backup to Nick Sukay and Drew Astorino.

Astorino and Sukay will both be vacant from the Penn State team next season. Willis must step up and assume the role of leader in the Penn State secondary.

Willis is more talented than both Sukay and Astorino. He has the body to play in run support, but he is also athletic enough to run with receivers in pass defense.

Penn State needs Willis to emerge as a tackler and a leader in their inexperienced secondary.

Willis will come on strong next season and play a major role in Penn State's defensive success.

The Wildcat Will Become a Regular Part of Offense

Penn State needs a spark on offense in some way, shape or form. The Wildcat formation will provide that electricity next season.

The Nittany Lions do not have a drop-back quarterback. They will not rack up 300 yards a game through the air, and their running game will not be successful without help.

The Wildcat is an off-shoot of the Penn State rushing attack, but it involves more athletes. Curtis Drake, Bill Belton and Eugene Lewis should all see snaps from this look.

Penn State must find a way to move the ball in unconventional ways if their passing offense does not improve.

The Wildcat will be their attempted answer to their offensive woes next season.

Penn State Won't Make the News for Anything Other Than Football

The Nittany Lions sorely need a quiet season for all reasons other than football.

New head coach Bill O'Brien wants smooth sailing in his first season replacing Joe Paterno. Making headlines for the wrong reasons is not the way to follow a sports icon.

Penn State needs to focus on football and get their situation back to status quo. They must show the 2013 recruits stability and win some football games with no distractions away from the field.

Getting back to the top will not be easy for the Nittany Lions. Baby steps will be needed, and that starts next season.

Penn State Will Win 8 Games

Penn State will lose to Iowa, Ohio State, Nebraska and Wisconsin next season. That will leave the Nittany Lions with eight regular season wins.

The Nittany Lions lose four starters on their offensive line, Derek Moye and they still don't have a quarterback.

Defensively, Penn State must replace both safeties and D'Anton Lynn. Devon Still, Jack Crawford and Nate Stupar will also be absent from Penn State's front seven.

Talent-wise, Penn State brings a few pieces to the table. Silas Redd is electric, and the Penn State receiving core has potential if given the chance.

Too many holes in key places along with relative unrest concerning the program—and quarterback—will stick the Nittany Lions with four losses and eight victories next season.