Penn State Football 2011: Why the Nittany Lions Are Not an AP Top 25 Team

The Penn State Nittany Lions could exceed expectations and become a great team in 2011.

However, at this point they have too many question marks. The quarterback situation is unsettled, the defensive ends need to find a way to pressure the quarterback and the team needs to get tougher on both sides of the ball.

These question marks heading into the season are the reason the Nittany Lions are out of the AP Top 25 to start the year, while four other Big Ten teams made the list.

Nittany Lions fans will argue that the Nittany Lions have a ton of potential and a few very good players. This is true.

Derek Moye averaged a whopping 16.7 yards per catch last season and he returns as one of the Big Ten’s best receivers. Silas Redd is inexperienced at running back but he did average 5.7 yards per carry in limited action last season. Redd could be the Nittany Lions' best overall player as a sophomore.

No matter how good Moye is, the quarterback situation could stymie even the best receiver.

Matt McGloin performed well at times last season but his erratic decision making, along with his small stature make him very questionable as a long-term option behind center. Rob Bolden has all of the potential needed to be a force in the Big Ten but after a disappointing freshman season and a stressful offseason, who knows how Bolden will bounce back?

The Nittany Lions defense should be much better in 2011, but what if it is not?

Michael Mauti has All-Big Ten talent but his health has been an issue. In front of Mauti, the defensive line needs to be much better this season. Ollie Ogbu is gone in the middle meaning Devon Still will need to finally live up to his billing. Jack Crawford will need to be a force on the end, especially with the loss of Pete Massaro to injury.

The defense has the talent to give the Nittany Lions a successful season. Now they just have to put it all together.

If you peruse the AP Top 25 poll you will notice that each team has a go-to guy, a player who can take over a game on the drop of a hat. The Nittany Lions do not have that guy.

Redd could be the guy but his inexperience does not give him star validation just yet. Moye could also be the guy, however without a quarterback it will be hard for him to take over games.

If the Penn State defense can put it all together this season you can expect to see Penn State climb into the AP Top 25 ranks at some point this season.

For right now though, Penn State has some work to do.