The Penn State Football Show

My outlook for this season is very similar to Rudy’s. I think we can all agree it’s going to be a rebuilding year, and another top 10 finish is extremely unlikely. But, just like Rudy, it is for that very reason that I’m particularly excited for and intrigued by this year’s team. It’s been a while since the Lions have had so many question marks and so many new players seeing action for the first time. I’m very much looking forward to seeing how these guys perform.

I agree with you guys that at this time, 2011 looks like it could be a good year for Penn State. But I’m always hesitant to look ahead like that with any certainty. You never really know what could happen from now until then, and the picture isn’t really that clear. There is no question that someone needs to step up at quarterback in order for the team to succeed.

Speaking of which, there has been a lot of buzz about Bolden so far this pre-season. Before we get too crazy, let’s keep a few things in mind: First, it’s extremely unlikely that he is the starting quarterback against Youngstown State on opening day. I’ve heard a lot of rumors that he will be, but I won’t believe that until I actually see it. Jason, you mentioned Zach Mills as being a freshman starter… but he was a redshirt freshman, not a true freshman, and there is a HUGE difference. Having a full year under your belt can make a world of difference, just learning the playbook and the speed of the game, not to mention adjusting to college life. Keep in mind, Bolden just graduated from high school. He didn’t enroll early last spring like many recruits do these days, although he did arrive in State College right after high school let out, so he has been around all summer. Lets also not forget that it took an injury to Matt Sennecca (who sucked) for Mills to even be entered into the starting line-up. So I personally do buy into the “Joe won’t start a freshman QB” belief, because it’s true. And while Joe has taken a lot of heat, and rightfully so, for benching younger more talented players (LaVar Arrington) in favor of older less talented veterans that have put their time in, I am with him when it comes to QB’s. I don’t think you can really expect much out of a true freshman quarterback, and I would be very hesitant to put a guy in there too soon. In my opinion, Bolden will be the starter by the end of this season. But I’ll be shocked if he’s the guy from day one. If he is, that is the indicator that Joe is either not making any decisions for the team any more, or he’s just completely out of it.

Second thing to keep in mind is even if Bolden is a legitimate star, he’s certainly going to have some ups and downs as a freshman. NOBODY is a stud from day one. Not Peyton Manning, not Drew Brees, nobody. So if he is named the starter, be excited that they have found a young talent for the next few years, just don’t expect him to be the savior right away.

I think this is a very talented yet inexperienced team, so they will struggle early. By the end of the year, I think they will be very competitive. I think it’s a shame the game against Alabama is the second week of the season, because the Lions simply will not be ready for the Crimson Tide, and I don’t expect a close game. Whoever the quarterback is, he will not be prepared to play at night in Tuscaloosa against the #1 team and defending national champions in just his second career start. The offensive line and defense, while talented, will only have played one game together as a unit at that point, and that is not sufficient time to gel. It could be ugly.

I think it will be a very fun season to follow Penn State football. I think the team will show a lot of promise for the future, but in terms of record, I see them losing at least four games this year, probably more. For the first time in a while, the Big Ten is actually looking pretty good this year, with OSU, Iowa and Wisconsin all potential top 10 teams.

It's good to be back...