Penn State Football: 9 Reasons Not to Lose Hope in the Nittany Lions

The Penn State Nittany Lions stand at 4-1 heading into their Week 6 matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The Hawkeyes will provide the Nittany Lions with their first major Big Ten test.

Despite their 4-1 record there is unrest in Happy Valley.

Two quarterbacks are still fighting for one job, the offensive line has not gelled as hoped, and the Nittany Lions do not generate enough of a pass rush up front.

Some of these concerns will change by season's end. Some will not.

Here are nine reasons to keep the faith in Joe Paterno's boys this season.

Development of a Quarterback

Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden began their quarterback competition last season. Five weeks into this season the situation is still not settled.

The uncertainty behind center has led to the Nittany Lions' dismal passing attack. Penn State currently ranks 66th in the nation in passing yards per game.

Bolden has more upside; McGloin is more suited to win games now.

This leads to a very difficult situation. However, this situation is not necessarily lost.

Each game, both quarterbacks gain experience. Yes, Penn State fans are impatient but this development could prove vital for both candidates.

McGloin's last two games have been solid. That could be a positive sign of things to come.

Silas Redd's Experience

Though just a sophomore, Silas Redd is Penn State's most talented offensive playe and continues to gain experience as each week passes.

This experience will take Redd to the next level among college running backs.

Redd has all of the talent needed to be a major contributor. He is explosive when running between the tackles and can also break a run to the outside in the blink of an eye.

As the Penn State passing situation and the offensive line improves, Redd will continue to get better. Until then, keep feeding him the ball.

Redd's production and development is important to Penn State this season, and especially next.

Depth at Wide Receiver

Penn State is very deep at wide receiver despite their inability to showcase the receivers' talents.

Derek Moye and Justin Brown provide two big bodies for either Penn State quarterback to find in the open field. Moye can also stretch the field vertically.

Shawney Kersey, Devon Smith and Brandon Moseby-Felder provide speed underneath, giving the quarterback an option in the slot creates favorable matchups for a sputtering aerial attack.

The Nittany Lions do not have a shortage of talent on the outside—their statistics are not there, but rest assured the talent is there.

The situation at wide receiver should have Penn State fans excited about the Nittany Lions offense with a quarterback.

Offensive Line Gaining Chemistry

The Penn State offensive line has had its woes to start the season. However, they will improve as the season moves along.

This unit is made up of four seniors. Experience plays a huge role in the success of an offensive line.

The Nittany Lions are still feeling the loss of 2010 star Stefan Wisniewski however. A trusted leader must emerge to replace Wisniewski's stellar talent and versatility.

This group will take its lumps. Look for that to improve over the next three games for the Nittany Lions. If it does, Penn State will be prepared for their tough end-of-schedule.

Penn State's experience up front should mean the performance is coming.

Learning to Grow Without a Defensive Star

Penn State's best defensive player was lost for the season with a torn ACL against Eastern Michigan.

Luckily, Penn State has the talent on defense to adapt to life without Michael Mauti.

Mauti was Penn State's leading tackler and all-around leader. The void left will be huge, but Nathan Stupar will help the situation. Stupar is a senior with previous starting experience.

Penn State has depth at linebacker. They also have an improving defensive line and a very good solid secondary.

All of these things will help Penn State grow without Mauti, and Mauti will make them that much better next season when he returns.

D'Anton Lynn Will Be Back

Eastern Michigan almost claimed two Penn State defensive players for the season. If viewers had to guess which player would miss the season, their gut feeling would lead them to D'Anton Lynn.

However, it is Michael Mauti who will miss the season. D'Anton Lynn is doubtful in Week 6 against Iowa. Beyond that, the situation looks encouraging.

Lynn is Penn State's best cover corner. He has great size and is a great athlete. Lynn fights well for balls in the air because of his strength against bigger receivers.

James Vandenberg could exploit Lynn's absence for Iowa in Week 6.

Fans, coaches and players will be happy to see Lynn patrolling the defensive backfield.

Improvement on Defensive Line

The Penn State Nittany Lions have eight sacks on the season. Seven different Nittany Lions have at least one—no player has more than two quarterback takedowns.

Seven is an encouraging number but Penn State's defensive line lacks star power. They are improving through their depth and the realized talent of players like Devon Still.

Two of the sacks come from linebackers. Obviously not the same thing, but a pass rush nonetheless.

This is encouraging after last season's maligned defensive front. A pass rush would take the Nittany Lions' defense into a brand new conversation.

Big Ten Title Hopes Are Still Alive

Penn State's quarterback quandary was a known situation coming into the season—the one glaring weakness on an otherwise talented team.

The quarterback situation is no better. No matter, Penn State is 4-1, with their only loss via No. 2 Alabama.

Believe it or not, Penn State is in the hunt heading into the heart of their Big Ten schedule. A win against Iowa in Week 6 would be a major shot of confidence.

Penn State is still an outside shot to win the Leaders Division. Wisconsin has played as well as anyone through five weeks and they don't look to be slowing down.

Big Ten title or not, Penn State can still make this season a success.

Optimism for Next Season

Penn State should have a stocked cupboard on offense heading into next season.

Joe Suhey and Derek Moye graduate after this season, but every other major skill player returns on offense.

The experience of this season will allow for more chemistry on offense next season, assuming the quarterback carousel stops spinning.

Penn State's defense will lose key players too—Drew Astorino, D'Anton Lynn and Devon Still are key players on this season's defense, however, Malcolm Willis, Adrian Amos and Jordan Hill will be ready to plug the holes.

The addition of Michael Mauti back into the fold is an exponential lift as well.

Penn State may not be a top 25 team this season, but next year could be a different story.