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Here we are on the eve of the 2007 Penn State Football season, and as such, it is time for my predictions.

The general talk from the pundits about the Big Ten centers around Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio State.  There's even mention of Iowa making a comeback from last season, since they avoid Michigan and OSU (yeah that worked out real well for Purdue last year) and Purdue given their senior QB (who coincidentally led the Big Ten in picks last year). 

So where's the love for Penn State?  Well, Kirk Herbstreit has shown a lot of love, saying that the Nittany Lions are the team to beat this year in the Big Ten.  I'm pretty confident, but i wouldn't go that far just yet.  Anthony Morelli has a year of experience at the helm under his belt.  In the past, that has often proven to be very important for Penn State QBs.  I expect Morelli to really step up his game, taking advantage of the depth at WR.  The running game is a bit of a question mark, as Austin Scott has gotten over his injuries (and a residence in JoePa's doghouse) to become the starter.  However, there is lots of chatter about a committee backfield with 5th-year senior Rodney Kinlaw and redshirt freshman Evan Royster also getting some carries.  Scott has done all the right things in the offseason, and could be in line for a Larry Johnson-like big senior year.  The offensive line lost its anchor in Levi Brown, but has a lot of experience.  "False Start" Rich Ohrnberger is now a backup to talented redshirt freshman Lou Eliades, who was a highly touted recruit.  The line has been a question mark for what seems to be forever, but for some reason (maybe just blind hope) i think the line will play well. 

 The key to everything on offense in my eyes is one Derrick Williams.  He had a sophomore slump last year, as it seemed he bulked up too much and lost his burst.  Well he's slimmed down back to his freshman weight, and the rumor is that he has that burst back.  If Derrick Williams can become the dangerous threat to score every time he touches the ball, as was anticipated when he decided to come to Penn State, he can take the pressure off of the entire offense.  Defenses will have to focus on stopping him.  Opposing defenses will have to double-team him, opening the field up for Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood, Chris Bell (who could really break out this season), and TE Andrew Quarless (if he ever gets out of Joe's doghouse for his underage drinking citation).   Defenses will be afraid to stack the box with the downfield weapons that Penn State has, opening up holes for the running game.  Defenses will be afraid to blitz and go man-to-man on the WRs, taking pressure off of the O-line.  That's what a true game-breaker can do, and Derrick Williams needs to become that game-breaking threat.

Defensively, that's usually the area we don't need to worry about.  But at this point, to a certain extent, there's some worry.  The back 7 is one of the best in the country, without a doubt.  Dan Connor is a stud, there is no drop off whatsoever with the legendary Paul Posluszny graduating.  Sean Lee is a stud.  Justin King is a lock-down corner.  My only worry there is if Tom Bradley doesn't insist on the typica soft zone and let the talented corners get beat on quick slants.  But the real worry comes up front.  There is tons of talent there with Jared Odrick and Philip Taylor at tackle.  Josh Gaines is a solid end (i'm not really sold on him), but sophomore Maurice Evans is a stud.  They're young up front, and have some injuries, but i'm very confident in Larry Johnson's ability to get these guys ready to dominate. 

On special teams, the Nits have a variety of speedsters in Williams and AJ Wallace to be a threat on returns.  Kevin Kelly is over his back injury from last year, and is a veteran kicker now.  Punter is a question mark as to who will replace arguably the best punter in PSU history. 

So with all that, predictions have gone from 8-4 to 11-1.  Penn State's schedule is favorable.  Ohio State, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Iowa are all at home.  The other non-conference games are against serious patsies.  Illinois on the road could be dangerous.  And then there's Michigan.  Oh damn you Michigan.  Unfortunately, that game has to be considered a guaranteed loss until Penn State can finally prove they can beat THEM.  So i'm saying Penn State goes 11-1, with that one loss coming against scUM.   Penn State gets its revenge against Notre Dame in a stadium-wide white-out.  They get their revenge against Bret Bielema and Wisconsin.  They squeak by an improving Illinois on the road.  They owe Iowa big time, and they give them a beating in Beaver Stadium.  They get into the BCS against an SEC team, and after weeks of pundits claiming that Penn State can't handle the "SEC speed" (sound familiar?), they win that one with tough defense and strong running, just like Penn State tradition.

OK, so i'm a homer.  But there it is.  WE ARE...PENN STATE!!