Still the Big Ten Champs: An Inside Look at Penn State

In 2005 the Penn State Nittany Lions returned to the top of the Big Ten behind the legendary Joe Paterno. In 2006, his 41st season, Paterno returns with a group of players that have a wealth of talent, yet the Nittany Lions do not seem to getting the respect they deserve as the team currently holding the Big Ten trophy.

While Ohio State and Michigan seem to be getting plenty of recognition as the conference favorites, Penn State has filled some holes with players that are capable of repeating as Big Ten champs. Anthony Morelli replaces the multi-talented Michael Robinson, but brings to the table a solid arm that could burn opponents through the air. Morelli does not have a lot of experience (33 pass attempts), but the highly recruited quarterback has his opportunity to shine in an offense suited for his strengths.

Tony Hunt is a powerful running back that ran for over 1,000 yards last season.  He will provide stability in the backfield and require defenses to respect Penn State’s ability to move the ball on the ground. Although, if defenses choose to place the focus on Hunt,
they will find themselves looking at the backs of receivers flying down field.

Morelli will have plenty of options through the air with Derrick Williams and Deon Butler.  Include Jordan Norwood to the equation and you may have the best group of receivers in the nation. Morelli is a more accurate passer than Robinson, and these receivers should have plenty of opportunities to be involved in the offense.

The one question on offense remains in the trenches. With only one returning starter, tackle Levi Brown, many pundits feel the line may be lacking the ability to open holes for Hunt and protect Morelli. Brown is a wall who will show the incoming starters the level of play it takes to succeed at the Big Ten level. The newcomers will need time to come together as a unit, but don’t forget that Paterno is in charge. He knows how to evaluate talent and get the most out of his players. Expect this group to be ready to prove that they are capable of providing the protection.

The defense will see some changes, but the linebackers will anchor a unit loaded with athletes. Paul Posluszny suffered a knee injury in the Orange Bowl to end his 2005 season, but appears to be fully recovered. The top linebacker in the nation last year will once again be lurking around, ready to tackle everything in sight. Dan Connor and Tim Shaw complete the trio that should be getting the recognition the group of Ohio State linebackers received last year.

Like the offensive line, the defensive line returns just one starter in Jay Alford. Alford, a senior, brings experience and ability that will get him noticed by offensive coordinators. With competition at the other starting positions on the line, Paterno will find bodies to eat up space and keep blockers off the linebackers. Stopping the run should not be a problem for the Nittany Lions.

Now, can the defense stop teams from passing? A fresh group of defensive backs will be inserted to Penn State’s secondary. But the Big Ten quarterbacks may want to think twice about just letting the ball fly. Justin King is a tremendous athlete who will move to the defensive side, and Tony Davis can hold his own at the other cornerback position. The safety positions will be filled with two seniors who have seen minimal playing time. Although, Donnie Johnson and Nolan McCready each have picked off a pass in their career and will look to thrive in starting roles.

Although the names may not be the most prominent, the talent is definitely present on both sides of the ball. Penn State may not be getting the respect they deserve, but the team in Happy Valley could be satisfied flying under the radar just waiting to pounce on the opposition again in 2006.