Penn State Football: 7 Things Holding the Nittany Lions Back from a BCS Bid

The Penn State Nittany Lions have not reached a BCS bowl since their 2009 Rose Bowl loss to USC.

The Nittany Lions will fight an uphill battle this season if they wish to reach college football's promised land, but that does not mean it can't be done.

Penn State returns talent on both sides of the ball, but they also lose several key pieces. Throw in a new coaching staff and an interesting schedule and Penn State could be left out of the BCS picture again in 2012.

There are several reasons to be optimistic about Penn State's BCS hopes next season, but there are also reasons to look forward to the 2013 season.

Here are seven things holding Penn State back from a 2012 BCS bid:

Head Coaching Experience

Bill O'Brien has 18 years of experience as an assistant coach. Most notably, O'Brien has held the offensive coordinator position with Duke, Georgia Tech and the New England Patriots.

However, that is not head coaching experience. O'Brien may be fit for his new job, but he is not an experienced skipper for a major college football program.

Don't get me wrong. O'Brien's resume is admirable and his innovative offense is intriguing, but he has not been the one making every important decision while a game is coming down to the wire.

Coaching experience is not always necessary for a team to make a BCS run, but Penn State has personnel flaws as well.

Lacking a battle-tested leader could hurt the Nittany Lions this year, but it will not hurt them for long.

Depth in the Backfield

Silas Redd is one of the best backs in the Big Ten. He should have another 1,000 yard season and carry the Penn State offense.

However, there is little depth behind Redd. He is not a workhorse-type back, and the Nittany Lions do not want to wear down their best offensive player.

Curtis Dukes is a solid back, and provides a powerful between-the-tackles presence. Freshman Akeel Lynch could also find his way onto the field if he has a solid showing in spring practice.

Neither Dukes, or Lynch, should be relied upon in big situations. They are solid in spot appearances, but lack the experience and explosiveness to carry the Nittany Lion offense if Redd were to go down.

Penn State is going to rely heavily on their ground attack this coming season. Redd cannot do all the work, and someone will need to step up if they want to make a BCS run.

A No. 1 Target

The Nittany Lions have a number of dangerous skill players, but lack a proven No. 1 receiver.

Justin Brown is the ideal candidate, but his inconsistent hands could keep him from taking the next necessary step.

The rest of Penn State's receiving crop is heavy on speed, but they lack the all-around ability of a top target.

Penn State's new system will use a variety of weapons in a plethora of situations.

The Nittany Lions have the depth to spread the field, but who will make the big catch when the Nittany Lions need it the most?

Familiarity

The Nittany Lions may take a season, or two, to adjust to Bill O'Brien's complex offense.

That does not bode well for Penn State's BCS hopes this season. That doesn't mean it is impossible, but O'Brien's system is complicated.

Penn State's offense may struggle to grasp the key concepts from their new scheme. It relies heavily upon diagnosing the opposing defense and using your head to make the right play, at the right time.

The Nittany Lions have smart players, but it is a lot to ask. Considering the quarterback situation isn't even set yet makes it even more difficult.

A lack of familiar territory will hurt the Nittany Lions in the short term.

Chemistry Up Front

The Nittany Lions struggled on offense last season. Now, they must replace four starters from a so-so offensive line.

Penn State may not see a major drop-off in talent, but the chemistry may take awhile to develop.

Matt Stankiewitch returns at center, but everyone else must be replaced. The senior will be heavily relied upon for leadership and solid blocking.

If Bill O'Brien's system is going to work in his first season in Happy Valley the quarterback will need time to scan the field.

That leaves a lot of pressure on an inexperienced offensive line.

Leadership in the Secondary

Penn State loses four starters from their 2011 secondary for next season.

Drew Astorino, Nick Sukay, Chaz Powell and D'Anton Lynn are all gone. Stephon Morris, Adrian Amos, Mike Wallace, Derrick Thomas, Malcolm Willis and Stephen Obeng-Agyapong will all vie for playing time in the spring.

The Nittany Lions return plenty of talent on the backend of their defense, but leadership could be a concern.

If a leader were to emerge, Willis is the likely candidate. He has a lot of talent, reasonable experience and is entering his junior season.

Penn State may need big plays, at big times, in their secondary. When the time comes, who will step up?

A Quarterback

Penn State's dire quarterback situation cannot be overstated.

Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden combined to throw more interceptions than touchdowns last season and are capable of a repeat performance in 2012.

If they cannot learn Bill O'Brien's system quickly, fans can expect another rocky road behind center.

Paul Jones could be the wildcard. He was academically ineligible last season, but a new coaching staff could give him a fresh start. He has the talent to start from Week 1, but his will to play is a concern.

It is very difficult to snag a BCS bid without a competent quarterback. Penn State will be left on the outside looking in until they rectify this situation.