Penn State Football: Why Penn State Will Not Win the Big Ten Title in 2012

Penn State would like to improve on their nine wins in 2011 next season.

The Nittany Lions return several assets on both sides of the ball. However, they lose key contributors on both sides as well.

Big Ten powerhouses Michigan and Ohio State will contend in 2012. Nebraska will be in the mix as well in their second full season in the Big Ten.

If Penn State wants to contend for a Big Ten crown, many things will have to fall into place quickly.

Here's why things will not go well for Penn State in 2012.

The Buckeyes Are Back

Urban Meyer's new coaching position at Ohio State is a monstrous move for the Buckeyes.

The Meyer signing immediately thrust the Buckeyes back into the limelight after a lackluster 2011 season.

The Buckeyes will also benefit from returning on both sides of the ball. Dan Herron, DeVier Posey and three Buckeye offensive lineman are gone. However, Braxton Miller should be better and the cupboard isn't bare.

Defensively, the Buckeyes should be excellent.

If Penn State wants to win the Big Ten, the road may lead through Ohio State.

Michigan Returns Talent and Experience

The Michigan Wolverines earned a Sugar Bowl berth in 2011 with a quiet 10-win season.

Michigan returns star quarterback Denard Robinson and emerging running back Fitz Toussaint next season. Jeremy Gallon and Roy Roundtree also return to the Wolverine receiving core.

The Wolverines lose three key defensive lineman next season, but many key contributors return to the rest of the defense. Jordan Kovacs, J.T. Floyd and Kenny Demens should anchor the unit.

Michigan coach Brady Hoke inspired his players in his first season. Expect the Wolverines to be as good, or better, in 2012.

No True No. 1 Receiver

The Nittany Lions do not have a bona fide wide receiver heading into next season.

Derek Moye is out of eligibility. Someone must step up and fill his shoes.

The leading candidate will be Justin Brown. He had over 30 catches in 2011, but he drops far too many passes. He has the frame to make an impact, but he must be more consistent.

Devon Smith lacks the size to be a top option, and Shawney Kersey had a disappointing 2011 season. Incoming freshman Eugene Lewis could be an option, but it will take him time to adjust to the college game.

Penn State's pass offense was dismal this season. A target must emerge if they want to change that pattern for next season.

Loss of Key Leaders

Penn State will lose talent on both sides of the ball next season. Perhaps even more costly could be their loss of leadership.

Derek Moye had an illustrious collegiate career. His presence in the receiving core will be sorely missed.

Stephfon Green and Nate Stupar were unheralded leaders for the Nittany Lions squads during their time in Happy Valley. Both will be missed in the locker room.

Penn State must find new leaders to lead their program next season.

Offensive Line Loses: 4 Contributors from 2011

Johnny Troutman, DeOn'tae Pannell, Quinn Barham and Chima Okoli will not be playing for the Nittany Lions next season.

Considering Penn State's offensive woes this season, that doesn't sound encouraging.

The Nittany Lion offensive line must create space for Silas Redd to run. If they cannot, Penn State's offense could be even worse next season. That is a scary thought.

Penn State's quarterback situation will be questionable again. That will be made worse by a line lacking chemistry.

Inexperience in the Secondary

The Nittany Lions must replace Nick Sukay, Drew Astorino and D'Anton Lynn for next season.

Malcolm Willis will take over for Sukay while Astorino's job is still up for grabs. Lynn's No. 1 corner position will be filled by Stephon Morris.

Penn State returns talent to the back end of their defense, but they will lack experience. Sukay and Astorino were not superb talents but they were smart, consistent players.

Lynn was a reliable presence, but he is replaceable with the emergence of Adrian Amos.

The Nittany Lions can turn to Willis confidently next season. His production will be needed in coverage and run support.

Disheartening Offseason

Penn State is having a disheartening offseason—to say the least. The Nittany Lions will face repercussions of that next season.

They still have time to sign a coach and hold onto their current recruits. However, they have already lost Tommy Schutt's commitment and Noah Spence broke the Nittany Lions' hearts on Sunday night.

Amid scandal and subsequent coaching changes, Penn State has struggled to stay afloat. They must weather the storm and make sure the damage remains in the short term.

At this point, that all seems impossible.

Different Look on the Sidelines

Penn State will not have Joe Paterno on the sidelines to start the season next year, or ever again.

The Nittany Lions did play their final three games without Paterno in 2011, but entering a season without their faithful leader will be a different situation.

Penn State has not named a replacement for Paterno. It could be Tom Bradley or Tom Clements, but the coaching search in Happy Valley has been shrouded in mystery.

Nittany Lion players will need to adjust to their new coaching staff in some capacity next season. That adjustment period will make it tougher for Penn State to stick with the Big Ten's elite teams.

No Reliable Quarterback

Penn State will not take a serious step toward a Big Ten crown until their quarterback situation is squared away.

Matt McGloin will probably enter the season as the favorite to start. However, Paul Jones and freshman Skylar Mornhinweg will be mentioned as other possibilities. Jones may be the most talented, but he lacks experience as does Mornhinweg.

McGloin has experience, but he lacks elite talent.

Current backup quarterback Rob Bolden is still in the mix, but he could transfer this offseason with Joe Paterno not in the picture.

Penn State must settle on one signal-caller and stick with him next season. If they can't, it will be a long season.