Penn State Football: 5 Bold Predictions for the Nittany Lion Offense

Penn State's offense was dismal last season, for the most part.

The Nittany Lions must improve when they have the ball if they want to win games in 2012.

Bill O'Brien's new system should provide some fireworks, but a few question marks could prevent that from happening right away.

Most people are counting Penn State's offense out right away because of last season's performance. The Nittany Lions will surprise people to a degree, but much will remain status quo.

Here are five bold predictions for Penn State's offense next season.

Penn State's Offensive Line Will Struggle

The Nittany Lions must replace four starters on their offensive line. That may make this prediction seem less bold, but many Penn State fans do not anticipate a problem up front.

Penn State tends to sit their offensive lineman for at least a season, and to have groups of players set to graduate at the same time. They have dealt with this problem many times before.

However, the offensive lineman must not only gel together: They must also learn a new system. Chemistry could be an issue without learning a totally new offense.

The new offensive lineman are talented, but the deck seems to be stacked against them in 2012.

Eugene Lewis Will Play from Day One

Eugene Lewis is Penn State's most touted incoming freshman. He will earn playing time from day one.

The Nittany Lions will move the ball with their dynamic playmakers on offense. The stable is already full, and Lewis will add another great player to the mix.

He does not have breakaway speed, but he understands how to run in the open field. He cuts well and sets up blockers. Lewis could also see time as a Wildcat quarterback if Bill O'Brien plans on keeping the formation in the offensive fold.

No matter how you cut it, Lewis is a dynamic presence worthy of playing time with a solid showing in spring practice.

The Quarterback Carousel Will Keep Spinning

Matt McGloin, Rob Bolden and Paul Jones will all see time behind center next season.

Two quarterbacks is always worse than one. It is a position meant for one player, and if he cannot hold it down, chances are things will get worse for the offense.

Do not expect McGloin or Bolden to impress this season. Bill O'Brien's tutelage will help both players realize their potential a bit more, but they still must grasp a new offense.

Learning a new system and marginal talent will kill McGloin's chances of being successful next season.

Bolden has the talent, but has not shown the mental toughness so far. Paul Jones is an unknown factor because of his previous ineligibility.

The Nittany Lions have a lot of talent all over the field, but quarterback is still a mess. Do not expect that to change until 2013.

Derek Moye Will Not Be Missed

Derek Moye was Penn State's top target throughout his career, and left Penn State as one of the best receivers in the program's history.

Moye has graduated, and you would think the Nittany Lions would miss him, but that won't be the case.

Penn State may not have a quarterback, but they are loaded at wide receiver.

Justin Brown was Penn State's top option for parts of last season. He is athletic and has the size to create mismatches on the outside.

Devon Smith, Shawney Kersey, Curtis Drake and Bill Belton all provide big-time speed to the receiving core. The Nittany Lions will have plenty of options to spread the field and use their speed to get open underneath the coverage.

The Nittany Lions will not be able to take full advantage of these receivers until Bill O'Brien gets his quarterback on campus, but that does not mean Penn State does not have talented receiving targets.

Silas Redd Will Have 1,500 Yards

Silas Redd will have 1,500 yards in 2012. He is Penn State's best offensive player, and most viable threat to take over games.

Redd had over 1,200 yards last season. Granted, he may not be the focal point in Bill O'Brien's new system, but he may need to be whether O'Brien likes it or not.

Penn State's passing attack is still a question mark, and O'Brien may need to wait until 2013 to unleash his aerial assault in Happy Valley.

Until then, Redd is a sure bet. He has game-breaking ability, and Penn State will lean on him heavily next season.