With Fall practice exactly one week away, it's time to talk PSU football and what you can expect from this year's Nittany Lions. Now, if you want an uneducated preview, then go to Barnes and Noble and pick up one of the Ohio State love-fest mags, but if you want the true PSU profile, then "I'm your huckleberry."
Bottom line: Just like last year, every single game on PSU's schedule is winnable, and (just like last year) the success of the season will likely come down to quarterback play. The good news is that Anthony Morrelli is finally gone and his replacements, Daryll Clark and Pat Devlin, are much better than their predecessor, especially in the mental aspects of the position. The bad news is that there are two of them, and unless there is a clear-cut starter, we could see both of them get snaps, which could get dicey. Nevertheless, PSU's offensive line could be its best since '94, and its ultra-deep defensive line (led by All-American candidate Maurice Evans) is arguably the best in the Big Ten, if not the entire nation. PSU opens Big Ten play the last weekend of September when Illinois visits for an 8 p.m. showdown. This important game should show onlookers how good/bad the team really is. The schedule does, however, feature some grueling road games, including October dates in Columbus and Madison, both of which have given PSU some out-of-town headaches. Needless to say, your Nittany Lions have their work cut out for them; they return 17 starters from last year's team (9 on offense, 8 on defense), and have great talent at almost every position. The questions will start to be answered on Labor Day Saturday, but don't be surprised if quarterback play determines the outcome of the season.
KNITS picks:
season: 11-1. Just like always, we'll play well for 3.5 quarters in Columbus, but then fall apart and lose in the latter stages. A Rose Bowl berth will ease the pain.
offensive player of the year: The offensive line.
runner-up: Derrick Williams
runner-up: Derrick Williams
defensive player of the year: Maurice Evans
runner-up: AJ Wallace
Now onto other stuff. Here's some unknown names that could become household ones:
Offense:
1. Stephfon Green, RB: He's fast, and very hungry to play. Plays like a leaner Ki-Jana Carter.
2. Stefan Wisniewski, OG: Wisniewski, the son of former Lion great Leo, was a partial starter as a true freshman last year, something un-heard-of for an O lineman in the Joe Paterno era. He could go down as one of the greatest lineman we've ever had when it's all said and done.
3. Andrew Szczerba, TE: Yes, that's the real spelling of is name. He's big and has great hands. Could be a great target streaking down the field.
Defense:
1. Devon Still, DT: PSU will have to get him on the field because he's big and nasty.
2. Eric Lattimore, DE: Was second team DE last season as a true freshman, but the coaches didn't want to burn his redshirt. He's good.
3. D'Anton Lynn, S/CB: A true freshman from Texas, Lynn could see playing time in the defensive backfield or he could redshirt to save his abilities. He could even see time on offense, just like Justin King and AJ Wallace have.
Ok, there you have it. For more player-specific info, please contact the writer. In any case, enjoy the season and Let's Go State!
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