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Our Football Package Launches : August 17, 2010 @ 9:00 A.M.
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Offense
Penn State has talent at every position in 2010. The nation’s most underrated running back will lead the way as Evan Royster returns to try to add to his FBS leading 6.4 yards per carry career rushing average. Penn State also has tons of experience on the offensive line as four of the five starters return. All five starters in 2010 were among the nation’s most highly recruited offensive lineman coming out of high school.
The only question mark on offense is a big one though. The Nittany Lions must figure out a way to replace QB Darryl Clark who completed over 60% of his passes during his career at Penn State with a 43/16 TD to Int ratio. Expected to replace Clark is sophomore Kevin Newsome. The key for Newsome would to manage the game effectively and to let the talent around him do the rest.
Defense
Penn State’s defense is among the nation’s best every season under defensive coordinator Tom Bradley, and this year should be no different. Penn State must replace Big Ten Player of the Year Jared Orick. but they do return 31 starts and 18.5 sacks from the that same defensive line group. The secondary is also very mature as three of the four starters are juniors.
Overall
Penn State has one of the best coaching staffs in America headlined by former Florida Gator head coach Galen Hall as offensive coordinator and Tom Bradley as defensive coordinator. They also have the nation’s best defensive line coach, in my opinion, in Larry Johnson.
The problem for Penn State in 2010 will be their schedule. All four of Penn State’s away games are against teams that went to bowls last year headlined by gigantic matchups against defending national champion Alabama, Iowa, and Ohio State.
Another problem for Penn State is the status of head coach Joe Paterno. While Penn State does indeed have a great assistant coaching staff, the ability of Paterno to lead and inspire this team has be a concern. I would hate to see such a legend as Paterno leave on the same downward note of former Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden.
In the end, I don’t think Penn State will reach their top 10 to 15 status they have achieved the last few years. But it will be solid season in Happy Valley considering the schedule. Expect a 9-4 campaign.
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