Penn State 2010 Football preview

The Penn State Nittany Lions are coming off of a successful year going 11-2 and coming away with a good bowl victory over LSU. However, many PSU fans were thinking that it was "their" year to make a run at a championship. Unfortunately the Lions finished third in the Big Ten and were left out of a BCS Bowl game. Many believe that this years team has little hope for success. With losses at QB, LB, TE and others, they could be right. I look forward to the season for the Lions and I see a lot of potential on the 2010 team.

Offense
The key for Penn State is replacing Quarterback Darryl Clark. Right now there is really no front runner for the job as sophomores Kevin Newsome and Matt McGloin battle for the spot. Also incoming Freshman Paul Jones shows a lot of promise at the spot as well. I believe that Newsome will get the nod in the end, at least for the first game or two, since he got some snaps last year and scored two rushing touchdowns. The offensive line lost a few important parts and seemed a bit unorthodox in the spring game. They will need to get stronger to make the new quarterback's life easier.

Evan Royster decided to return for his senior season at Tailback to try to break the Penn State All-time rushing record. PSU's ground game could be one of the best in the nation this year with Royster as well as proven backup Stephfon Green. Junior Brandon Beachum and Freshman Curtis Dukes will also battle for some carries. Penn State also returns Fullback Joe Suhey, who was a key part in the Lions offense last season. This core of backs can not only run, but they are also a vital part of the passing game, which should ease some pressure off the new Quarterback.

This years Receiving core for the Nittany Lions is as strong as ever. Jr Derek Moye and Sr Graham Zug return as PSU's leading receivers last season. WR Chaz Powell was moved to Cornerback partly to give some depth at the corner position. Also he may have been moved because of Sophomore wideout Curtis Drake, who showed potential at the end of last season. Drake should join Moye and Zug to make a three headed monster that could be very dangerous. There is a slight problem with Tight Ends however. Both Mickey Shuler and Andrew Quarless graduated and moved on to the NFL leaving big question marks at the position.

Defense
Many Lions fans may be very concerned about the defense for the upcoming season and they have the right to be. Losing DT Jared Odrick, CB AJ Wallace, and LB's Sean Lee, Navarro Bowman and Josh Hull hurts a lot. However, they don't call it "Linebacker U" for nothing and there are still big time players returning on the defensive side.

This seasons defensive line is very strong even with the loss of Odrick. They return the other three starters from last season including Juniors Jack Crawford and Eric Latimore, as well as Senior Ollie Ogbu. They also have a lot of depth behind them to keep the D-line fresh as possible. Some Scouts are raving over Crawford's potential and think that he could be a high round draft pick in next years draft if he comes out. Defensive end Kevion Latham also fared well in the spring game.

"Linebacker U" would have really liked to have seen Bowman return for his senior season. They were well prepared for his departure and will find players to fill in the void of the three backers that are gone from last season. State College's own Nate Stupar may be the next great Linebacker for the Lions. The junior had 7 tackles and an interception in the spring game. Beside him will be Senior Bani Gdabyu who played a key role in all 13 games last season. Penn State also brough in two of the nations top Linebacker recruits in Khairi Fortt and Dakota Royer. As is usually the case, PSU has strong talent in Linebackers and they have depth and options for this coming season.

The secondary returns a lot of talent from last years squad. Both starting safeties Drew Astorino and Nick Sukay return as well as cornerback D'Anton Lynn. Sophomore Corner Stephon Morris saw some action last season and should fill in well. Also as mentioned earlier the Lions moved athletic slot receiver Chaz Powell to cornerback to add some depth. Look for these defensive backs to make some huge plays this fall.

Projected Starters:

Offense
QB- Kevin Newsome
HB- Evan Royster
FB- Joe Suhey
WR- Derek Moye
WR- Graham Zug
WR- Curtis Drake
TE- Andrew Szczerba

Defense
LB- Nathan Stupar
LB- Bani Gbadyu
LB- Chris Colasanti
DE- Jack Crawford
DT- Devon Still
DT- Ollie Ogbu
DE- Eric Latimore
CB- D'Anton Lynn
CB- Stephon Morris
S- Nick Sukay
S- Drew Astorino

Analysis:
Penn State lost a lot of good talent from last years team, as they normally do. However Lions fans should be very excited about this seasons team. If they can find a quarterback, who can get the job done, I believe the Lions could be potent on offense. With an excellent group of receivers and a great group of running backs, the offensive production should be similar to that of last season. Heisman candidate Evan Royster will be trying to break as many PSU rushing records as possible and try to work his way up NFL scout's draft boards. The defensive line will make it very hard for teams to run and will provide much needed pressure on opposing teams QB's. It will be tough to pass on the Lions with constant pressure and experience in the secondary. The schedule will be gruesome and many questions may be answered after the Lions play down in Tuscaloosa against defending Champion Alabama.

Projected Record: 10-3