On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being wonderful, and 1 being awful, the 2012 season for Penn State football was a -50. Yet despite all of the drama, surrounding the program, beginning with the horrid charges against former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky (whos trial progresses as I write this), and ending with the death of beloved HC Joe Paterno, somehow this team put up a 9-3 record, and we a factor all the way through Thanksgiving. Bill O'Brien takes over what may very well be the most difficult job anywhere in the NCAA right now, and 2013 will tell us a lot about how this team responds under the leadership of someone other than iconic Joe Pa for the first time in a lifetime.
Like some other teams in the Big 10, PSU has some questions as to whom will be under center in 2013. SR Matt McGloin has been in the mix for a few years now, but has not been overly effective. SO Paul Jones shows some promise, and if I had to guess, I'd suspect that Jones will get more snaps this year, as O'Brien tries to install his offense. JR RB Silas Redd is the team's top back. He may not project well as a pro yet, but he still finds ways to help his team out. He gobbles up yards, and if he can improve on last season's performance, he will help PSU to some victories. SR Devon Smith is the top wide out for the Nittany Lions this year, and he is talented, but has underachieved in his time in Happy Valley. There are no real standouts on the o-line either, with SR C Matt Stankiewitch as their top player. What will be most interesting to see with the Penn State offense if if either JR TEs, Gary Gilliam or Kevin Haplea can emerge as viable targets in what is likely to be an offense that relies heavily on the TE. we may need to wait until some of O'Brien's own recruits are in the fold to see what this offense will really look like.
On defense, PSU will have some talent to play with. Last year DT Devon Still was an impact up front. This year, SR DT Jordan Hill will step into the spotlight to replace him. Hill may not be as athletic as Still, but he is strong and quick for his size. I think he will be good, and should improve as the year goes on. If SR DE Pete Massaro can stay healthy, he will get some pressure on opposing QBs and this could make this defense very tough. The school known as "Linebacker U" has two more good ones this year, as SRs Gerald Hodges and Michael Mauti will both be all over the field. Both has good speed, and are tough, hard nosed football players who can impact game outcomes. The secondary is a bit young in 2013, and this could prove to be a challenge for the Nittany Lions. As compared to last season, I really think this unit could have some issues, and this may be the most obvious area to try and attack Penn State, especially during the early season.
I think Penn State will do OK in 2013. I don't expect them to match their 9 wins from a year ago, but I think Bill O'Brien will transition this program into their new era with integrity and class. I think what has happened in Happy Valley over the past year has been terrible, but I also think Central Pennsylvanians are a resilient people, and it won't be long before the school again shouts with pride, "We Are..."
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