2008 Penn State Nittany Lions College Football Predictions

Penn State will once again be among the most solid teams in the Big Ten Conference, but Jimmy Boyd feels its schedule could be the thing that keeps the Lions from contending for a Big Ten title. Check out Jimmy's 2008 Penn State Nittany Lions predictions and season preview to get the inside scoop. 
 

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Offense

The Nittany Lions don't have a clear cut starting QB so we could see a two QB system this season. Joe Pa has done it before. The two QB's are Daryll Clark and Pat Devlin. Clark was Anothony Morelli's backup the past two seasons. He complete 56 percent of his pass attempts and ran for four touchdowns in limited action. His claim to fame was a game tying 11-yard run in the Alamo Bowl win over Texas A&M last season. Devlin originally committed to Miami and he looks to be the future. He set a Pennsylvania high school record with more than 8,000 career passing yards. With a veteran line and some nice offensive weapons to put around the two QB options, I think they'll play good enough to win a lot of games in Big Ten play this season. The line is led by center A.Q. Shipley and left guard Rich Ohrnberger who are both in their third year as starters. Wide receivers Deon Butler, Derrick Williams, and Jordan Norwood all rank in the top six in career receptions at Penn State. Evan Royster rushed for 500 yards in his freshman season at tailback and he will be joined by speedy frosh Stephfon Green. Don't be surprised in Joe Pa reverts his offense back to the 2005 style led by Michael Robinson which scored more than 34 points a game.

Defense

The Lions were dealt a huge blow this spring when linebacker Sean Lee tore his ACL. The Big Ten's second leading tackler will miss the entire season. It's a shame too, because this guy has been compared to recent Penn State linebacker greats Dan Connor and Paul Posluszny. Josh Hull and Chris Colasanti will compete for his spot. Returning starter Tyrell Sales will start at one outside linebacker spot and Bani Gbadyu will likely start at the other. Penn State's strong defensive front will take some of the pressure off the linebacking corps. The Lions have great depth up front as they are able to rotate up to eight guys without losing anything. Maurice Evans starred at defensive end last season with 12.5 sacks. With so much depth up front, it comes as no surprise that Penn State was one of the best in the country against the run in 2007. The secondary needs to be better and it should be with three starters returning.

Special Teams

A great kicking game is a major asset for the Lions. Punter Jeremy Boone was named to the All-Big Ten First team last season after averaging 43 yards per punt. Place kicker Kevin Kelly already has the school record for points and field goals. Punt return specialist Derrick Williams and kickoff return specialist A.J. Wallace both ranked among the best in the Big Ten in the return game last year.

Prediction – 4th in Big Ten

With good offensive and defensive lines and good special teams, the Lions will be in every single game this season. Having to go to Ohio State and Wisconsin is likely what keeps this team from finishing higher, but we do expect them to finish above Penn State, Michigan and Michigan State

Jimmy Boyd's college football picks will help you beat the college football odds all season long in the Big Ten Conference. Climb on board for the entire season and walk away with more money than you ever thought imaginable. It's going to be a fun ride!

June 15th, 2008