Penn State Nittany Lions
Preview

WEAKNESSES

Offensive line

The good news is that senior tackle Levi Brown returns to protect new starting quarterback Anthony Morelli's blind side. The bad news is that Brown will be the only returning starter on what seems to be an unsettled line. Morelli doesn't have the wheels that Michael Robinson had so the OL must give him time to sit in the pocket and scan defenses.

Quarterback

Weakness or strength? Morelli is untested and how he reacts to blitzes and zone defenses is a big question mark. There is no doubt he has the skills to be a star at the collegiate level and possibly above, but now is the time for the hype to end and the production to begin.

Secondary

The Lions must replace all four spots in the secondary. Talented sophomore Justin King will focus on defense this year as he steps up as the team's top cover corner, but there is little experience anywhere else. Safety will also be a question mark with senior Donnie Johnson as the only potential starter with any real experience.

STRENGTHS

Wide receivers

Loaded with speed and talent, the young receiving corps of the Nittany Lions has returned in full. The only real loss is Justin King's full-time switch to defense. Sophomore Derrick Williams is back to full health following a broken arm that cost him half of his freshman season, and fellow sophs Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood should only improve. This group is special and should benefit immensely from the arm of Morelli.

Linebackers

All-Everything Paul Posluszny, who should be fully recovered from the knee injury he suffered in the Orange Bowl, is joined by Dan Conner and Tim Shaw to form one of the best groups in the country. They also have outstanding depth with backups Sean Lee, Tyrell Sales and a few others more than capable of filling in.

Coaching staff

Success is bred from stability and that is precisely what the Lions have had for the past 40 years. When the doubts were at an all-time high, JoePa delivered, coming one second away from a possible national championship (see last second of the Michigan game). Instead, they settled for an Orange Bowl victory and the slew of high class recruits says that JoePa and Co. still have what it takes to build a winner.