The Penn State Nittany Lions were not able to win back-to-back Big Ten titles. They finished just off the pace at 6-2 in conference play, but it was still a great season. Penn State ended its 2009 campaign at 11-2 after edging out LSU in the Capital One Bowl. Penn State's defense was the best in the Big Ten in terms of points allowed in 2009. The 2010 Nittany Lions will have to depend even more on the defensive side of the football following the loss of quarterback Daryll Clark. Clark's absence will make it tough for the Nittany Lions to win the Big Ten and to challenge for a national title, which is what head coach Joe Paterno strives for each year. The schedule makes these goals even more difficult. Penn State has to play Alabama, Iowa and Ohio State on the road.
Offense: It will be tough to replace Clark, who now holds Penn State records for career touchdown passes (43), career touchdowns (65), touchdown passes in a season (24), touchdowns in a season (31) and passing yards in a season (3,003). Kevin Newsome will likely be the guy that tries to fill Clark's big shoes. It's clear that Newsome is not the passer that Clark was, but he is a talented runner. Coach Paterno has proven to be good at adjusting his offenses to suit the players he has. With this in mind, I wouldn't be surprised to see Penn State revert back to a more run oriented scheme like they ran in 2005 when they won the league. The loss of Clark hurts, but at least running back Evan Royster is still around. Royster followed his strong 2008 campaign by rushing for 1,169 yards and six touchdowns in 2009. A more run-heavy offense could take away some of Penn State's big play ability. This means that wide receiver Derek Moye could see his numbers decline. Moye caught 48 passes for 785 yards and six scores last season. Paterno has also expressed concerns with the offensive line following the team's spring tune up.
Defense: The offense may take a step back, but a defense which led the Big Ten in points allowed and finished second in yards allowed will keep the Nittany Lions among the conference elite. Penn State allowed only 12.2 points per game and gave up only 274.5 yards per game last season. The defense was exceptional at stopping the run, only giving up 89.9 rushing yards per game last year. With big nose tackle Ollie Ogbu back, the Nittany Lions should continue to stuff the run in 2010. At defensive end, Penn State's top returning sack man, Jack Crawford, appears poised for a breakout season. He came up with 5.5 sacks last year. The secondary is solid with three of four starters back.
Prediction: 4th Big Ten - I don't think a Big Ten title is in the cards for Penn State this season. The defense will remain top notch, but the offense won't be nearly as explosive without Clark. Still, 2010 figures to be another year in which the Nittany Lions can challenge for double-digit wins. College football linesmakers have listed Penn State at +5000 to win the BCS title.
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