Lions Fast Facts

Last year: 11-2 overall, 6-2 in Big Ten, won Capital One Bowl.

Coach: Joe Paterno (45th season, 394-129-3)

Top returners: RB Evan Royster, G Stefen Wisniewski, WR Derek Moye, DE Jack Crawford, CB D'Anton Lynn.

Biggest losses: QB Daryll Clark, LB Sean Lee, DT Jared Odrick.

Inside info: The battle to see who will succeed Clark as the starting quarterback of the Nittany Lions is down to three players as sources have confirmed that freshman Paul Jones will redshirt. Sophomore Matt McGloin is said to have a slight advantage over Kevin Newsome, last year's No. 2 QB, with freshman Robert Bolden impressing more every day. Look for Bolden to see action before too long, maybe not in the first two games but definitely before the Lions begin their Big Ten schedule.

Barring an unforeseen late switch, the Nittany Lions will have three starters on the offensive line who started the opener last season, but none is at the same position. Stefen Wisniewski moved from center to his more natural position at guard. Lou Eliades went out one spot over from right guard to right tackle, and DeOn'tae Pannell switched from right tackle to left guard.

Much of the success of the Penn State linebackers last year came thanks to defensive tackle Jared Odrick. Odrick absorbed double-team blockers effectively, preventing them from getting out to the linebackers, enabling his teammates to make the tackle. So the three new starters at linebacker will have to be physical, quick and smart.

Redshirt freshman punter Anthony Fera made Paterno's doghouse in the spring when he was cited for possession of alcohol by a minor and now is in a fight with two true freshman walk-ons to be the starting punter. Whoever wins has big shoes to fill replacing Jeremy Boone, one of the Big Ten's best last season.

Biggest games: Sept. 11 at Alabama, Oct. 2 at Iowa, Nov. 13 at Ohio State.

- Joe Juliano

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