Penn State

Penn State University Nittany Lions

Penn State is a once again a powerhouse program with legendary coach Joe Paterno leading the charge. The Penn State Nittany Lions were one of the best programs in the 1980's, winning two National Championships in 1982 and 1986. The 1990's saw disappointment after a slow recruiting campaign to start the decade. Coach "Joe Pa" has he is known got back to basics in terms of recruiting and started to focus on the states of Michigan and Ohio were they had lost prospect after prospect to Michigan, Notre Dame and Ohio State. The turn around was completed and by 1994, Penn State was back. That year they finished undefeated and won the Rose Bowl.

The new millennium started slow for Paterno and company and many thought that another slow start would have Jo Pa retiring. Penn State won only 5 games in 2000 and in 2001 the same. 2003 and 2004 were even worse. What happened the following year took most of the NCAA football world by surprise-- Jo Pa had turned it around, again. Penn State had a terrific 2005 season, ending 11-1 with their one loss coming to Michigan on the last play of the game.

Penn State plays their games at Beaver Stadium in Happy Valley Pennsylvania. Their colors are Blue and White and their fight song is one of the most popular in college football -- Fight On, State.

Penn State's biggest rivalry is against the Minnesota-- each year the two schools battle it out for the "Governor's Victory Bell". Penn State is 6-4 against the Golden Gophers in this series and all-time, and holds possession of the trophy after winning the 2006 contest.
Penn State and Michigan State also annually compete for the "Land Grant Trophy". Penn State has a commanding 11-3 record in these trophy games, and holds possession of the trophy having won the 2006 contest. Penn State leads the all-time series with Michigan State 12-11-1.

Penn State Nittany Lions 2007 Outlook

Then the team took a small step back in 2006. The Nittany Lions struggled on offense for the better part of the season. The offensive frustrations lead to no wins of note in the regular season. However, Jo Pa pulled it off again in the post-season and after the big 20-10 Outback Bowl victory over Tennessee, it seems that the hype is back in Happy Valley and there is yet another big year in the tank for Paterno.

Penn State can really look to build off last year's bowl win if quarterback Anthony Morelli can start this year strong. Wide receiver Derrick Williams is also a key factor, when will Williams start living up to all the hype? Running back Austin Scott is also huge. He at times resembles Larry Johnson but this year he really needs to produce a Johnson type season for Penn State to challenge for the Big Ten title. If Morelli is inconsistent this year and Williams continues to be an overrated play- maker, look for a disappointing season. I see Penn State getting much improved play from the offense, including Morelli and Williams. This team will have a chance at their second conference title in three years.

The defense will again be a wall, lead by all-World linebacker Dan Connor. Penn State is Linebacker University and some say Connor is the best raw backer to play at Penn State in recent years. Justin King is also a key defensive player. The speedy defensive back will be looking to make big plays this year for the Nittany Lion secondary.

2007 Penn State Schedule

Date OPPONENT TIME (ET) Location Result
Sat, Sep 1st, 2007 Florida_Intl 12:00 PM Beaver Stadium  
Sat, Sep 8th, 2007 Notre_Dame 06:00 PM Beaver Stadium  
Sat, Sep 15th, 2007 Buffalo 12:00 PM Beaver Stadium  
Sat, Sep 22nd, 2007 at Michigan TBA Michigan Stadium  
Sat, Sep 29th, 2007 at Illinois TBA Memorial Stadium  
Sat, Oct 6th, 2007 Iowa TBA Beaver Stadium  
Sat, Oct 13th, 2007 Wisconsin 03:30 PM Beaver Stadium  
Sat, Oct 20th, 2007 at Indiana TBA Memorial Stadium  
Sat, Oct 27th, 2007 Ohio_State 08:00 PM Beaver Stadium  
Sat, Nov 3rd, 2007 Purdue TBA Beaver Stadium  
Sat, Nov 10th, 2007 at Temple TBA Lincoln Financial Field  
Sat, Nov 17th, 2007 at Michigan_State TBA Spartan Stadium  

Head Coach Profile

Joe Paterno is one of the top football coaches in NCAA history. He has amassed over 300 all-time wins and his 22 bowl victories are more than any other coach in college football history. Paterno led the Nittany Lions to two National Championships and two Conference Championships while being named the 2005 Walter Camp Coach of the Year, the 1981 and 2005 Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year and the 1986 Sports Illustrated Sportsmen of the Year. On May 16, 2006, coach Paterno was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame and will be inducted this year with the class from 2007.

Paterno is also renowned for his charitable contributions to academics at Penn State. Joe Pa and his wife Sue have contributed over $4 million towards various departments and colleges. After helping raise over $13.5 million in funds for the 1997 expansion of Pattee Library, the University named the expansion Paterno Library in their honor.

Penn State University- Key Departures/Players to Watch

Penn State lost one of the best linebackers to play at Happy Valley, Paul Posluszny. Penn State is however returning some key players in 2007. Anthony Morelli, Austin Scott, Derrick Williams, Justin King and Dan Connor are among the Big Ten's elite. The question mark is Morelli. If Morelli can lead and drive the offensive with not turning the ball over, the Penn State's defense with Connor and King can do more than hold their own.

Williams is also a key for Morelli. If Morelli and Williams can get back to playing pass and catch like they were at the end of the 2006 look for both players to post big numbers in 2007. Williams has been a bit streaky and has not lived up to his potential, yet.