Penn St. Nittany Lions

The Penn State Nittany Lions are looking to rebound in a big way in 2011, following a disappointing 7-6 season in which they lost four games by 20 points or more -- something which had not happened in any of Joe Paterno's previous 45 years as head football coach in Happy Valley.

With nearly all of the major parts returning, and a talent group of young players ready to enter the starting lineup, Penn State football is facing some rather high expectations for this season. As always, interest and drama surrounds the status of the 84-year-old Paterno, who has promised he would be more active and enthusiastic about this year's
squad, and hopes to match the achievements of his Big Ten championship teams in 2005 and 2008.

On offense, it's all about quarterbacks Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin. Each enters the season expecting to earn the starting job, but no matter which quarterback earns the starting role, expect increased production from the position due to experience. The tailbacks have the talent to surpass the production from the 2010 corps. Silas Redd
emerged as an explosive No. 2 back last fall, but he is now the undisputed No. 1 tailback for 2011. Brandon Beachum and Stephfon Green will also see significant time at tailback. Three starters return on the offensive line, including tackles Quinn Barham and Chima Okoli, as well as guard Johnnie Troutman. The Nittany Lions boast one of the best receivers in the conference in Derek Moye, a reliable deep threat who should create space for other talented receivers such as Justin Brown and Curtis Drake, not to mention the tiny but lightning quick Devon Smith.

After a major letdown in 2010, the Penn State defense should be vastly improved in 2011. The linebackers, an uncharacteristically weak group in 2010, will be bolstered by the return of a healthy Mike Mauti, along with with Gerald Hodges, Nate Stupar, and Khairi Fortt. Expect these four to restore Penn State's "Linebacker U" tradition. Behind them, Penn State's defensive backfield returns six players who started games in 2010. Cornerback D'Anton Lynn and safety Nick Sukay lead the veteran and talented group, which has the potential to be the best in
the Big Ten this season. Ravaged by injuries in 2010, the bulk of the defensive line returns with much to prove. Defensive tackle Devon Still and defensive end Jack Crawford are hoping to finally live up to their lofty expectations in their senior seasons.

Though it will be tough for a team with this much talent to repeat such a mediocre performance, Penn State's success in 2011 will also depend on the schedule. The Alabama Crimson Tide roll into Happy Valley on September 10. Penn State will have a chance to build some wins and confidence in the middle of the season before ending the year
with a brutal trio of games -- home against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, followed immediately by trips to Ohio State and Wisconsin. It's a long, rough road to travel, but the pieces are in place for the Nittany Lions to make a legitimate run at the Big Ten championship.