The Penn State Football Show

Toward the end of the 2009 season I prophesized that the 2010 PSU season would be a rebuilding phase with 2011 being the year PSU makes some noise. My thoughts on that have not really changed, but…I think this year's team could very easily surprise some people if all cylinders begin to click before they head to Iowa. Despite what you will hear from the College Football “experts”, I think the schedule is favorable for a 9-3 season because, when you break it down, the big 3 away dates (Alabama-Iowa-Ohio State) are really the only questionable games. The other 9 should be manageable.

The problem with this team is that nobody, including the coaching staff, really knows what they have at several positions. We know there is loads of young talent on this team, but the question is; who will emerge as the next big time player(s)? For me, these are the biggest question marks as the season approaches:

• Quarterback(s) – I believe in the idea that “if you have 2 Quarterbacks, you don’t have 1.” I think we need to find one guy who will be under center for the next 3-4 years and let him develop (ala Terelle Pryor). Remember, in terms of experience, we really have 4 Frosh QBs. Don’t buy into the “Joe wont start a Frosh QB” idea and if you do, re-read my previous statement (somewhere Zack Mills is laughing!) It seems to be evident that Jones will redshirt; I don’t think Newsome is the guy that can lead a drive down the field late in a game; and McGloin, well…he's probably the leader of study table! Reports out of camp are that Robert Bolden is legit and has the tools to be the guy. Frankly, at this point, I dont have a clue to who should be the starter. Should be interesting to see who is the first one off the bus for the YSU game.
• Linebackers – This might be the biggest question mark…who will be the starting LBs? No question there is talent in this group, but mostly young and inexperienced. My guess is that 5 or 6 guys will shuffle in and out before the coaches settle on a starting unit as conference play begins. At some point this season, the next stud(s) at LBU will emerge…just not sure who it will be!
• Offensive Line- We do return several guys with experience but it seems that the coaches have shuffled them around to different spots. With a young QB, this group needs to find its identity soon or opposing Big Ten defenses will be owning real estate in our backfield.
• Tight Ends - I think the TE position was one aspect of the offense that went underappreciated last year and could potentially be the achilles heel this year. The combination of Shuler and Quarless were one of the few constants last season and quite often bailed Clark out of trouble. The departure of AQ10 and MS82 doesn’t bode well for an offensive line and QB that are considered green. The question now becomes is there anybody out there that has the skills/talent to fill either set of shoes?
• I SPY (Preseason Edition): WR Justin Brown - with the loss of Curtis Drake, the offense will be looking for another one of those “slash” guys to throw into the third receiver spot. Keep an eye out for Justin Brown as the slot receiver who may run some seam routes and create openings across the middle much like Quarless did last season. He is a big frame that seems to run well and could be a good complement to Moye and Zug as well as a rookie QB. I think he has a high upside and is set for a break-out season.