2008 Penn State Nittany Lions
Written June 10, 2008 by Jason Lowry
Joe Paterno is back for his 43rd season at head coach, and Jason Lowry is ready to take a look at Penn States 2008 football predictions. The Nittany Lions were 9-4 overall last year, but finished the Big 10 season at just 4-4 for a tie for 5th. The team does have something to build on, as they took care of Texas A&M in the Alamo Bowl to finish off the season. The team is bringing back 16 starters, but did suffer the loss of corner Justin King and linebacker Dan Connor to the NFL draft. There is talk that this Nittany Lion squad just might be a little better than they are getting credit for. We figured it would be best to see just what this team has in 2008 on both sides of the ball that has people talking this way out in Pennsylvania.
Offense:
With 7 starters coming back on this squad, it will likely depend on quarterback Daryll Clark who will take over from departed senior Anthony Morelli. Clark showed flashes of brilliance as he completed 56% of his passes and a huge 11-yard touchdown run against Texas A&M. There is also some talk that Paterno might use his two-quarterback system from before and find away to get sophomore Pat Devlin on the field as well. As it looks now sophomore Evan Royster will be the main guy at tailback, but don’t be shocked if freshman Stephfon Green doesn’t see some solid action as well. The team has some of its best receiver is school history, as seniors Deon Butler, Derrick Williams, and Jordan Norwood all are in the top 6 in career receptions. But what holds this offense together will be its talented offensive line that includes center A.Q Shipley and left guard Rich Ohrnberger making their 3rd straight season as starters.
Defense:
The Nittany Lions are well known for their ability to produce some of the best linebackers in the country, but will be unable to showcase the next great one, as Sean Lee suffered a season ending ACL tear in spring workouts. As it looks now walk on Josh Hull will hold down the middle linebacker spot until future stud Chris Colasanti is ready to step in. Sophomore Bani Gbadyu has some serious speed at outside linebacker, and might end up being the best player on this side of the ball. The d-line looks like it will be a force again this season, as they return 3 starters to a unit that was 7th against the run last season. The secondary must improve as it got burnt way too much at the end of last year, it returns 3 starters here and really is counting on senior safety Anthony Scirrotto to have a big year.
Prediction: 3rd Big Ten
We are believers and really think that this team can be even better than it was a year ago. They will have trouble heading to both Wisconsin and Ohio State, but should be able to handle the rest of their Big 10 Schedule. We think that this team is 5-3 at worst in the Big 10.
The Big Ten is one of the best football conferences in the country, and professional handicapper Jason Lowry will continue to break down each and every team. Also if you are looking for a head start on the football season head to BetUS.com and get an account up and going today.