2007 Season Preview
Penn State Nittany Lions
By Tricia Lafferty

This season can determine whether Penn State is back to stay or the Nittany Lions were a one-year wonder in 2005, after finishing ranked in the top five nationally for the first season since 1994.

Sure, Penn State defeated Tennessee in the Outback Bowl to end last season on a high note, but the Lions used to be consistent contender for a national title.

Expectations are high this year considering this season could be a coming out party for Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli, running back Austin Scott and wide receiver Derrick Williams. None of them have lived up to the potential that surrounded them as three of the most highly touted high school recruits in the history of the program.

Morelli was the one of the most sought-after quarterback in the country four years ago, but has just one season left to prove why. Scott has blown one opportunity after another, but with a breakout final season, his career at Penn State won't be considered a complete bust. Williams played a spectacular six games during his freshman year before suffering a season-ending arm injury at Michigan. He didn't display that finesse during his sophomore campaign, but he could sneak back into the spotlight with the receivers who picked up his slack last year.

If that trio of skill players steps up, the nationally recognized receivers continue to perform on a consistent basis and the offensive line shapes up, Penn State could have an exciting offense.

The Lions return eight starters on offense with the biggest void left by running back Tony Hunt. When Hunt and Scott joined the Lions five years ago, one might have thought Scott would have rushed for 1,386 yards last year before becoming Penn State's second all-time leading rusher. Instead, it was Hunt who made the most of his opportunities. Additional playmakers include wide receiver Deon Butler, tight end Andrew Quarless and kick returner A.J. Wallace.

Six starters are back on defense, but Penn State returns plenty of talent. The loss of linebackers Paul Posluszny and Tim Shaw hurts, but Sean Lee and Dan Connor will uphold the reputation of Linebacker U. The Lions' secondary, highlighted by Justin King, is considered one of the best in the nation. The defensive line might be inexperienced, but coach Larry Johnson, Sr. has done a good job restocking year after year. The main thing that could prevent this defense from being really good are the repercussions that could stem from an April 1 on-campus apartment fight, in which key members of the defense were involved.

Special teams should be the Lions biggest concern because junior kicker Kevin Kelly hasn't been consistent and Penn State hasn't had an effective return game in years.

Penn State coach Joe Paterno, who at 80 years old enters his 42nd year as head coach, made it no secret that he wants to win one more national championship before he retires. Penn State has major rebuilding to do after this season and Paterno just might not have it in him to keep going.

With a veteran team, a favorable schedule-Iowa, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Wisconsin are home games-and the buzz once again surrounding Penn State football, this could be Paterno's sendoff, national championship or not.

Tricia Lafferty covers high school and college sports for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.