Penn State Nittany Lions 2010 Season Outlook
It’s difficult to label the 2009 season as anything but a success after going 11-2 and defeating SEC powerhouse LSU in a brutal New Years Day game in the mud and rain. This did a world of good to their prevailing football betting odds. However, Nittany Lions fans can’t help but lament as the talent level was high and the schedule was a cake walk, with the only two big games against Iowa and Ohio State turning into blowout losses.
Biggest Losses
The most glaring loss for Penn State is at the quarterback position with Daryll Clark, who at one point in 2009 was in the hunt for the Heisman. There are several notable losses at defense as well with DT Jared Odrick and linebackers Sean Lee, Navorro Bowman, and Josh Hull.
Returners
The entire offensive line returns led by C Stefen Wisniewski, and the defensive secondary will be one of the strongest in the Big Ten.
Strengths
An easy schedule of non-conference opponents will build the team’s confidence before heading into big game match-ups against Iowa, Ohio State, and on the road at Alabama. Penn also returns a talented receiving core.
Weaknesses
The defense needs to find an identity and replace most of the starting core. The offense needs to score points, as Penn struggled against even a weak schedule, and this year they will replace QB Daryll Clark most likely with Kevin Newsome, a backup with only 11 pass attempts. They will need to rely on RB Evan Royster to carry the load while the quarterback gets experience.
