Spring practices are already in the books and fall camps will be here before you know it, which means you’ll have an early jump into the 2006 NCAA football season. Knowing the teams now will save you time. in August and Matt Fargo is here to help you understand what to expect this coming year. We go from worst to first in this 2006 college football trailer.
#26 – Penn St. Nittany Lions 11-1 SU; 8-4 ATS
Fargo’s last second Take A touchdown was the difference for the Nittany Lions against Michigan and an undefeated 2005 season. Barring that, Penn St. would have gone 12-0 and a National Championship shot, but that would have meant three unbeaten teams and we all know the problems that could have caused, so maybe it was for the best. The Nittany Lions will be hard-pressed to match last season’s performance, but they have enough to make a Big Ten title run. Replacing Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Michael Robinson at quarterback will be tough, but Anthony Morelli has the tools to be a special player. The defense has to replace most of the front four and the entire secondary, but Penn St. possesses the best linebacking corps not only in the conference, but in the entire country. A disappointment from last season shouldn’t happen as the Nittany Lions seem to be back for good.
Returning starters on offense: 5 Morelli isn’t very experienced, but his stock is high and his spring performance gives the team plenty of optimism heading into the season. Unlike Robinson, he’s a pure passer, so the running element from that position is gone, but the passing game should be vastly improved. The biggest concern on offense is having to replace four starters on the line, but some decent experience is coming. Running back Tony Hunt is back after rushing for 1,047 yards last season and his production will be important early on. The top four receivers are back, including the top three wide receivers led by sophomore Derrick Williams, who could go in for a breakout season. The Nittany Lions finished 13th in the country in scoring offense at 34.4 points per game and matching that average will be a challenge, but if Morelli learns fast, it’s possible.
Returning starters on defense: 4 Penn St. had one of the best defenses in the country last season, finishing 12th in total defense and 10th in scoring defense. Many key players must be replaced, but returning linebackers Paul Posluszny, 2005 Butkus winner Dan Connor and Tim Shaw make up the best center in the nation. They will have to carry the unit until the rest of the defense is assembled. The defensive line has only one returning starter, but veterans Jim Shaw and Ed Johnson will make an immediate impact. Even though the secondary has to replace everyone, the cornerbacks have the potential to be great led by sophomore Justin King, the top defensive backs recruit last season. The security posts will be in charge of two elderly people. Creating a pass rush will be vital for the entire unit and if they get anywhere near last year’s 41 sacks, great things can happen again.
Schedule The schedule doesn’t bode well for a fast start as trips to Notre Dame and Ohio St., the two best teams in the country by many, take place in two of the first four weeks. The other two games in that stretch are easy home games against Akron and Youngstown St. while the fourth and final non-conference game is near the end of the season against Temple. The Nittany Lions host Northwestern and travel to Minnesota before returning home and getting a chance to get even with Michigan. The remaining Big Ten schedule isn’t too difficult with the two toughest games coming at Purdue and Wisconsin. Indiana and Iowa are not on the schedule for the second straight season. Another challenge is the fact that Penn St. must play all 12 games without a single bye week in the mix.
You can bet… Penn St. fans are hoping another 2003 doesn’t take place. After a very successful 2002 campaign, the Nittany Lions fell hard, winning just three games the next season and raising questions about whether it was time for head coach Joe Paterno to hang up. He certainly put down that talk last year, but another knockdown could mean the end is near. The Nittany Lions went 3-0 against the number as losers last season and are 16-10 ATS in that role since 2001. The two chances to capitalize on that will come early against Notre Dame and Ohio St. The latter could present trouble. However, Penn St. as a road team is 0-8 against the number in the last eight meetings between the two.