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Opening holes will be bulldozing fullback Matt Hahn, 6-0 236. Three starters return from an offensive line that looks vulnerable after losing left tackle Levi Brown to the NFL. Guard John Shaw, 6-4 303, should be the anchor to the line. The receivers are one of the best units in the nation with flyer Derrick Williams, 6-0 203, expected to post monster numbers.

Penn State runs out of the 4-3 defense with speed all over the field. There are not many ways to attack the defense because they have no apparent weakness. The linebackers have an All-American in middle linebacker Dan Conner, 6-3 233, who made 113 tackles last season and will be playing in the NFL next season. OLB Sean Lee, 6-2 232, has 4.6 speed and could be a Big 10 all-conference player by seasons end.

The D-line is being revamped but they have a DE pass-rush specialist in freshman Aaron Maybin, 6-4 238, who gets great jumps off the snap. The secondary features a shutdown corner in junior Justin King, 6-0 186. Strong Safety Anthony Scirrotto, 6-0 195, has terrific ball skills having plucked 6 INT’s last year. The return game is in good hands with dynamic Derrick Williams providing a big play threat. The kicking game is up in the air but place-kicker Kevin Kelley has shown some upside.

The Nittany Lions have a good shot at being the sleeper in the Big 10 with a savvy coaching staff and a big-armed passer in Morelli. Look for Penn State to win 9 games on their way to a middle-tier bowl.

Brad Marchetti’s Opening Game Penn State Nittany Lions Power Ratings: 20-80 Scale

20- Poor
30- Well Below Average
40- Below Average
50- Average
60- Above Average
70- Very Good
80- Great

Coaching: 65
Quarterback : 70
Backs : 60
Receivers : 70
Offensive Line : 50
Defensive Line : 60
Linebackers : 70
Secondary : 70
Special Teams : 65