Bold move: Paterno names freshman Bolden starting QB

Penn State coach Joe Paterno announced Wednesday night that freshman Robert Bolden will be the starting quarterback in Saturday's season opener against Youngstown State at Beaver Stadium. It marks the first time in Paterno's 45-year tenure as head coach that a true freshman will start the opening game.

The 6-foot-3, 221-pound Bolden, from Orchard Lake, Mich., beat out sophomores Kevin Newsome and Matt McGloin for the honor of starting the opener. But Paterno indicated that Newsome or McGloin, or both, will see action on Saturday.

"Based on what we have seen to this point, Bolden has a slight edge right now," Paterno said in a statement, "but we are confident all three quarterbacks are ready to go and hope to give them an opportunity to play until we settle on the one that gives us the best chance to win."

Paterno said he would distinguish Bolden, McGloin and Newsome as 1A, 1B and 1C on the depth chart and would have the opportunity to earn the regular starting job.

Bolden impressed the Penn State coaches from the start of practice with a strong arm and the ability to run.