By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season
Though Penn State's resurgence the last five years has been nice and all, the Nittany Lions have suffered from a little Ohio State Syndrome in that span.
Like the Big Ten-rival Buckeyes, PSU has beaten just about everyone it's supposed to beat, but most of its 13 losses the last five seasons have come against elite foes. Perhaps that's better than losing to scrubs, but at some point you have to beat elite teams to be considered elite. And Penn State couldn't get a better chance to prove itself than the one it gets on Sept. 11.
EXTRA: Images From 2009 Ohio State-Penn State Game
Joe Paterno and co. travel to Alabama to take on the defending national champion and preseason favorite Crimson Tide in the second game of the season.
While certain units rebuild, others will flourish. Linebacker U will miss the departures of Navarro Bowman, Sean Lee and Josh Hull as one of the better trios in 2009. But the defensive line and secondary could be strong and deep enough to keep Penn State among the stingier defenses in the country.
Like many teams among the lower fraction of the OGS Preseason Top 25, Penn State will be introducing a new quarterback in 2010. But Kevin Newsome will replace the unspectacular Darryl Clark with star running back Evan Royster returning in the backfield, as well as some capable wideouts on the edges.
Who's back? RB Evan Royster, OL Stefen Wisniewski, DE Jack Crawford
Who's gone? QB Darryl Clark, LB Navarro Bowman, LB Sean Lee, DT Jared Odrick
Why they'll win: Enough talent in the right spots and a manageable schedule whose biggest tests -- though all on the road -- are spread out pretty evenly.
Why they'll lose: Newsome develops slowly and the line in front of him doesn't improve like it needs to after a disappointing 2009.
Get your tickets: at Alabama (Sept. 11), at Iowa (Oct. 2), at Ohio State (Nov. 13)
Prediction: 9-3 (6-2, fourth place Big Ten)