Penn State Football: The Ins and Outs, Highs and Lows of the 2012 Schedule

Penn State will begin a new era with head coach Bill O'Brien as they try to put a terrible 2011 season behind them that included several off-the-field issues.

One of the first things the Nittany Lions will have to do is find a quarterback capable of leading this team. They'll also have to replace 12 combined starters and find some type of offense to get this team rolling. We know the talent is on this roster; they just have to find it.

One of the things we can look at, now that the spring is over for Penn State, is the schedule.

Can the Nittany Lions find a way to reach the Big Ten Championship?

As we get closer to kicking off the regular season, here is your 2012 Penn State Nittany Lions complete schedule breakdown.

Easiest Game

Penn State has a 15-0 record against the Indiana Hoosiers, and I expect that streak to be extended another year when they meet again in 2012. Indiana does return the most starters in the Big Ten (17), but I'm not sure that's a good thing. This is a team that ranked 101st in scoring offense and 114st in scoring defense.

Add the fact that the game will take place at Beaver Stadium, and I like the Nittany Lions chances.

Toughest Game

Nebraska has won the last two meetings against the Nittany Lions, and this game should be even tougher for Penn State. The Cornhuskers are returning eight starters on both sides of the ball, and with the losses on defense for Penn State, running back Rex Burkhead should have a field day, again. In last year's meeting, he rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown on only 26 touches.

This game is being played at Memorial Stadium, making this a tough matchup for the Nittany Lions.

Potential Blowout

It's hard to predict Penn State blowing any team out, especially when your offense doesn't put up points consistently. But with that said, the Owls only return two players on offense and their workhorse running back Bernard Pierce is no longer around. They also lost six players on the defensive side of the ball.

The last time Penn State lost to Temple, the year was 1941. This game should result in a blowout if the Nittany Lions can get some production from the quarterback position.

Potential for Disaster

This game was a disaster for the Nittany Lions last season, as they lost 45-7. Wisconsin running back Montee Ball rushed for 156 yards and got inside the end zone four times. Bad news for Penn State, No. 28 remains in Wisconsin's backfield, and he is looking to have another huge season for the Badgers.

Wisconsin did lose key players on offense and a few productive members of their defensive line, but if Ball can get going like he did last season, Penn State won't have much of an answer for it. This game could once again get out of hand.

Most Intriguing Matchup

This should end up being an interesting game, as both teams have a lot in common. They're both great defensively, both struggled mightily to score points last season and they both have new head coaches.

Both Urban Meyer and Bill O'Brien look to turn their teams around and are offensive-minded enough to make these teams more explosive. The question now is this: Which team is on pace to turn things around sooner?

The Nittany Lions have lost three of the last four meetings against the Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium.

Trap Game

Iowa was a very balanced team last season, but it couldn't seem to play with any type of consistency. This season, they could be very good, as they bring back 11 starters, including six on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback James Vandenberg is also coming back after having a very solid season his first year as a starter, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns.

The Hawkeyes had won the three previous meetings before losing last year 13-3. This time, the matchup will take place in Kinnick Stadium, and it's important that the Nittany Lions don't get caught looking ahead to the Ohio State game.

The Hawkeyes have big upset potential for a lot of teams out there this year.

Rivalry Game Prediction

What rivalry game?

Ever since the Nittany Lions moved to the Big Ten and conference realignment has taken place, there really isn't a true rivalry for Penn State. West Virginia and Pittsburgh, of course, were the biggest rivals for this program, but neither is on the schedule. I guess you could consider Temple their "new" rival, but the Owls have lost 28 games in a row to Penn State.

This team looks like they'll go this season without a rivalry game.

Upset Special

The Virginia Cavaliers are a team that doesn't surprise you with anything they do, and they find ways to win ball games under head coach Mike London. The offense returns seven starters, including speedy running back Perry Jones.  The defense was an underrated group that returns a few key players, including middle linebacker Steve Greer.

Head coach Mike London doesn't have the most talented team in the world, but he gets the most out of his players. With Virginia experiencing some success last season, this is now a squad that believes it can win and compete for an ACC title. An early trip to Scott Stadium is a dangerous game for the Nittany Lions.

Heisman Highlight Game

Until an answer is found at the quarterback position, running back Silas Redd will continue to have to lead this offense. As a sophomore last season, he rushed for over 1,200 yards and scored seven touchdowns. If he wants any chance to win the Heisman trophy this season, he'll have to have a big performance against the Ohio State Buckeyes. 

It's likely the biggest game on the schedule for the Nittany Lions, and Redd only touched the ball eight times in last year's meeting. If the junior running back can get going and help lead Penn State to a victory, it may put his name in serious contention.

Must-Win Game

Ohio finished 10-4 last season in the MAC, but we all know the Bobcats don't really have the talent to compete with the Nittany Lions.

So, why is this game on here then?

Because it's the first game of the season and the first game for Bill O'Brien as a head coach. After the season Penn State just had, and with all of the off-the-field distractions, they need something positive to hold their hat on. A victory would be a very nice way to start the new year and begin to put the past behind them.