Spartan Nation 2011 Big Ten Football Scouting Report: Penn State

 

Spartan Nation 2011 Big Ten Football Scouting Report: Penn State

Biggest Game:Â September 10, 2011, Hosting Alabama

Predicted record:Â 8-4 (5-3)

Projected Big Ten standing: 2nd Place Leaders Division     

Returning Starters: OFFENSE: 7   DEFENSE:  7      Lettermen return: 45   

Head Coach: Joe Paterno 46th Season at PSU              Lifetime: 401-135-3

Top Assistant:Â OC Galen Hall

The Lions once again have a lot of talent. I am firm supporter of JoePa and think he should get the chance to leave on his own terms. The Lions run essentially on cruise. They get recruits. They make them winners. Simple enough. This team, however, has three brutal road games that I don’t think they can win on the road, and in week two they face a NFL-like talent-loaded team in Alabama.

I selected the Alabama game as their most important, not because I think they can win. In fact, I don’t think they have ANY shot at all. What I see them having to avoid is the butt kicking that the Tide gave MSU. If they get run like the Spartans did on the bowl game this young team could collapse.

They have issues at QB wondering who will get the nod, and the Lions that we know have some blemishes and issues. If the Tide roll on the Lions 20+ points then I feel I have been too kind in my prediction. If they keep it 19 or less, I think they will rebound. There is something psychological about 20 points.

September 3 Indiana State Win

September 10 Alabama Loss

September 17 @Temple Win

September 24 EMU Win

October 1 @Indiana Win

October 8 Iowa Win

October 15 Purdue Win

October 22 @Northwestern Loss

October 29 Illinois Win

November 12 Nebraska Win

November 19 @Ohio State Loss

November 26 @Wisconsin Loss