Penn State Chooses Robert Bolden As It's New Starting Quarterback

After months of waiting, the replacement for Daryll Clark has finally been chosen with only two days to go before kickoff. 

Robert Bolden, the true freshman who impressed coaches with his poise despite only stepping on campus for the first time in June, has earned the starting role. 

This according to Bob Flounders of The Patriot News and the official Penn State athletic website.

http://blog.pennlive.com/bobflounders/2010/09/robert_bolden_is_penn_states_s.html

http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090110aaa.html

The decision comes with some surprise, this will be the first time in Joe Paterno's 45-year tenure that a true freshman will start at quarterback from day one. 

Initial reaction from Penn State fans was varied, ranging from surprised to excited to downright disbelief.

It remains to be seen exactly how much playing time Bolden will get vs. Youngstown State but what is certain is that he will be under center for the first drive of the game.

This decision could mean one of two things. 

Either Bolden was such a bad @$$ in practice that the coaches couldn't justify keeping him off the field despite having slightly more seasoned QB's such as Kevin Newsome and Matt McGloin on the depth chart OR Newsome and McGloin were so unimpressive and inconsistent that the coaches felt they had no choice but to play Bolden.

Only time will tell.

Another factor is whether this was a Joe Paterno decision or an assistant's decision. 

Obviously, the ultimate say goes to Joe but is Bolden really his guy or is he trusting his assistants that he is the real deal?

Regardless, the young one will have to adjust to the college game quickly, as we all know trips to Tuscaloosa, Iowa City, and Columbus loom just around the corner.