Big 10 Preview: Penn State Nittany Lions
August 5th, 2008 by Louis Papa
Joe Paterno returns for his 43rd season pacing the sidelines in Happy Valley. He seeks to supplant Bobby Bowden on the all-time victories list for Division 1-A coaches with another solid season (Pre-Season Rank #22) . For those of you scoring at home, Joe actually already owns this record by more than 30 victories but our friends at the NCAA decided to grant the ‘dadgump’, venerable coach in Tallahassee, credit for games that he won at powerhouse Samford when they were a D-1AA school. Nice!! Too bad they won’t allow a playoff. Go figure!
Okay, now that I am off my soapbox, it is onto the best sporting season throughout the year. Here is what you need to know about the Nits.
They have 14 returning starters from last year’s 9-4 team which won the Alamo Bowl. On offense, they will be lead a by the talented trio at WR. Captain Derrick Williams (55 rec, 529 yds and 3 Td’s) should improve tremendously this year in both catches, yards and touchdowns no matter who PSU ultimately decides to play at QB.
He has been a bit of a bust from a fantasy perspective the last couple of seasons due to the inconsistent play of graduated QB, Anthony Morrelli. Williams is also a threat as a punt returner. No one should forget the highlight reel return against Notre Dame last year as ESPN nominated it for play of the year. In addition to D-Will, you have former walk-on turned #1 WR, Deon Butler (47 rec, 633 yds and 4 Td’s). Butler has the best hands on the team, runs the best routes and is the red-zone’s best option in the passing attack. Jordon Norwood completes the tri-fecta (40 rec, 484 yds and 5 Td’s). Pending your leagues rules, these three could be used together if you select team positions rather than individuals at positions.
The Quarterback position is unsettled as of this writing so I would hesitate to offer either Pat Devlin (Miami, FL transfer) or Daryll Clark as your #1 or #2 guys. There are better options in the Big 10 this year. Keep your eye on the situation (and of I course I will help you) as PSU should roll up some impressive numbers on offense this year. Devlin has deceptive speed but is more a prototypical drop back passer with a big arm. Clark will run a spread offense and will offer fantasy owners more with his feet (ala the Alamo Bowl in December)
If you are looking for a sleeper to impress your buddies this year, here is my early season prediction: Stephon Green at RB. He will split carries with Evan Royster , (82 car, 518 yds and 5 td’s last year), but will electrify the faithful in the Valley this year. Look for Green to supplant Royster by midseason.
The defensive unit is usually pretty stout under Tom Bradley’s leadership and this year should be no different. Despite the losses of NFL selections, PSU returns 7 starters to the D from last year. The secondary has 3 of its 4 starters from last year and the D-line returns 3 starters as well. Dan Connor (the school’s all-time leader in tackles), Justin King (the two-time all Big 10 cornerback), and Sean Lee (LB who suffered an ACL tear in the spring) will be missing this season, but Linebacker U has a surprise waiting for you this year.
As far as college kickers are concerned, you have to be infatuated with Kevin Kelly if for no other reason than the sheer volume of attempts he gets. In only 3 seasons he is already the all-time scoring leader in Penn State history. Last year he was 20-26 (Fg-fga) and 44-45 (xp-xpt). He is a must on all fantasy teams.
Looking at the schedule, this is the year PSU hurdles Michigan. However, it must prove itself worthy on the road (Ohio State, Wisconsin and Iowa) to secure a shot at a 2nd BCS trip in 4 years.
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