Penn State Football: WAY Too Early Predictions For Next Season

Although Penn State is losing many of its veteran players to the draft and graduation, senior Daryll Clark will lead the Nittany Lions to a high level of success next year.

Since we lose our veteran receivers, we will be more of a traditional power running offense. A team that will run first to open up the pass offense.  

With Evan Royster, Stephfon Green, and Daryll Clark having the ability to run, Penn State will once again be a threat to win the Big Ten and go to a BCS bowl—maybe even the National Championship.

This upcoming fall, (which is in like seven months), Penn State has a relatively easy schedule.  They have a few easy games, and more importantly, eight home games!  

Here's how I think the team will fare as of right now.

September 5, vs. Eastern Michigan.

A relatively easy warm-up game.  Penn State cruises 52-10.

September 12, vs. Syracuse.

A nice game against a lower Big East opponent.  Home field turns it from a good win to a blowout.  Penn State takes it 49-3.

September 19, vs. Temple.

This has become an annual match-up, but it has been dominated by Penn State.  The Owls will look to improve, but really will have a hard time keeping it competitive.  Penn State wins 41-10.

September 26, vs. Iowa.

Here's the rematch.  Penn State will be very upset after blowing the National Championship because of Iowa.  This time, however, they won't need heaters, and they'll be at home.  With Iowa losing Shonn Greene, Penn State should win this game. Penn State gets revenge, 31-20.

October 3, at Illinois.

This one is tricky.  Illinois has been going downhill ever since being blown out at the Rose Bowl, but it is an away game.  Penn State lost at Illinois two years ago because Morelli had three interceptions and one fumble in the second half, all in Illinois territory, but the Nittany Lions only lost by one.  Look for Penn State to have a similar result as this past season.  Penn State stays undefeated, 35-16.

October 10, vs. Eastern Illinois.

A cupcake game, plain and simple.  Penn State blows them out, 70-13.

October 17, vs. Minnesota.

Minnesota looked promising this year, but was proven a pretender.  Still, they have gotten better.  Penn State wins comfortably at home, 38-21.

October 24, at Michigan.

Penn State will want a win in Ann Arbor, and with Michigan still struggling, PSU should dominate.  However, Michigan holds their ground at home, but falls 28-10.

October 31, at Northwestern.

Penn State will be finishing off their longest road stretch of the season—two games.  This will be a look-ahead to their game of the year against Ohio State.  Northwestern is a very underrated team and will give them a scare, but Penn State will hold on.  Penn State escapes in a close one, 30-24.

November 7, vs. Ohio State.

This is the biggest game of the year for Penn State and for Ohio State, but Ohio State also has a big game against USC.  If this was on the road, I would give Ohio State the win since Penn State is losing a lot of talent.  Penn State is at home and with the support of the crowd PSU wins a defensive battle, 17-13.

November 14, vs. Indiana.

This is a look-ahead to the final game of the season at an improving Michigan State team.  Still, Indiana is one of the worst teams in the Big 10, if not the worst, and Penn State wins easily, 48-14.

November 21, at Michigan State.

Two years ago, Michigan State came back when they were down 24-7 in the third.  They were at home.  Last year, Penn State blew out the Spartans at Beaver Stadium.  I doubt the Nittany Lions will allow another comeback like MSU had two years ago, but this is technically a rivalry game and it should be a good one.  Penn State, however, will not lose an undefeated season in the final regular season game.  Penn State wins, 27-16.

If Penn State had a tougher schedule, I would probably predict anywhere between one and three losses, but they only have a few tough games this season, and I expect they will pull out with wins because they are mostly at home.  Hopefully I am right and PSU will go 12-0 and receive a bid to play in the 2010 BCS National Championship.