Penn State Nittany Lions
2000 record: 5-7 (4-4).
Coach: Joe Paterno (36th year, 322-90-3).
Starters returning: 5 offense, 6 defense, 1 kicker.
Outlook: Can Penn State's offense possibly be less potent than last season when the Nittany Lions finished last in the conference in time of possession (28:05) and 10th in total yards (326 per game) and rushing yards (142 per game)? The general consensus seems to be that Paterno simply won't allow such a performance again this season. Yet the talent on offense doesn't appear to be overwhelming. Junior Matt Seneca, the leader of a group of unproven quarterbacks, must play better than he has in the past. The receivers must prove this season they can actually catch the ball, And the offensive line, a shambles last season because of injury and illness, must do a better job protecting the quarterback and opening holes for the runners.
The defense was surprisingly solid in 2000 under first-year coordinator Tom Bradley but personnel losses point to a potential drop-off. The line should be the strongest unit but must compensate for the departure of All-Big Ten end Justin Kurpeikis. The linebackers are good but not great and the secondary must replace three starters, including All-Big Ten safety James Boyd.
Keep an eye on: Junior DT Jimmy Kennedy. If the defense will have to do most of the heavy lifting again this season, then perhaps the most valuable player on the team will be Kennedy. At 6 feet, 5 inches and 330 pounds Kennedy possesses the bulk to clog the inside every play. He is more nimble than you'd expect, though, and as a sophomore tied for the team lead in sacks (six), intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble.
Key game: Paterno needs one victory to tie Bear Bryant's record for the career mark (323) and the Nittany Lions need to win early to develop confidence and avoid a start similar to last season when they opened 1-4. Look for the season opener against Miami (Fla.) to bring an electric atmosphere to Happy Valley. An upset of the Hurricanes would be the catalyst this team needs.
It's a good year if... Penn State returns to its winning ways and goes to a bowl game. Penn State has endured just two losing seasons under Paterno. The first came in 1988, when the Nittany Lions slumped to 5-6-0. They regrouped and went 8-3-1 the following season. Don't bet the mortgage on a similar turnaround in 2001. A plethora of unproven players must surpass past performances and the schedule provides few gimmes. In addition, Big Ten foes clearly don't fear the Nittany Lions. Can this team finish 7-4? Only if the Nittany Lions get plenty of help. But don't plan on a New Year's Day bowl -- for the third consecutive season.
Jeff Potrykus covers the Big Ten for the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
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