2009 Penn State Nittany Lions College Football Predictions

2009 Penn State Nittany Lions Predictions
2008 Record: (11-2, 7-1)
Coach: Joe Paterno, 44th year, (381-129-3 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Galen Hall (6th year)
Def. Coordinator: Tom Bradley (10th year)
Returning Starters:10 (5 offense, 4 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Daryll Clark)

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Offense: Joe Paterno returns for his 44th year and at 82, isn’t ready to give up yet. After compiling a 11-2 record last year before losing to USC in the Rose Bowl, he appears to have a few good years left. This Nittany Lions team may struggle some early because they lose six starters on offense, but they return senior QB Daryll Clark (6-2, 233). Clark ran the spread offense to near-perfection last year, throwing for 2,592 yards with 19TDs and ran for 10 scores. Running back Evan Royster returns after rushing for 1,236 yards last season (6.5ypc). Senior TE Andrew Quarles (6-5, 253) and junior TE Mickey Shuler (6-4, 249) are also productive players. At receiver, the Nitany Lions have a lot of size, but not a lot of experience. The ofensive line returns just two players including junior center Stefan Wisniewski (6-3, 302), who moves over from right guard.

Defense: The defense allowed just 14.4ppg last season (8th ranked in the nation) and 280.1 yards per game (8th ranked). However, they return just four starters and it will be difficult matching last year’s production. The secondary was the biggest concern though senior CB A.J. Wallace has always had the talent and at least has one career start. Up front, they lose their best pass rusher in DE Aaron Maybin. Senior DT Jared Odrick (6-5, 306) showed promised last year at tackle after recording 4.5 sacks. At linebacker, PSU always finds gems and this year should be no different. Senior Sean Lee (6-2, 236) returns after missing last season with a knee injury, so PSU really has three returning starters. He has All-American potential as does All-Big Ten pick Navorro Bowman (6-1, 230), who has had some off-the-field issues.

Outlook: The Nittany Lions have a ton of talent and a very soft schedule early on. They should easily be 7-0 heading into Ann Arbor on Oct. 24. They also face Ohio State at home, which is a big advantage. As long as Clark stays healthy, the Nittany Lions should be able to make a run at the Big 10 title. The tougher game might be the finale at Michigan State.

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