Get the latest on Nittany Lion football on HUDDLE UP, Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. on WITF-TV.
The Big Ten Media Day was noteworthy for another reason and it relates to Paterno's age and future. Speaking at a press conference, Paterno appeared to be thinner -- some described him as frail -- and showing all of his 83 years physically. Questions arose about his health, especially when it was reported that Paterno missed several speaking engagements earlier in the summer. Reports also say the coach, known for his energy, had an intestinal illness that hung on for more than a few days.
So, as Penn State's season opener against Youngstown State September 4 approaches, the buzz amongst Lions' fans turned from who will play quarterback, offensive line or linebacker to whether Paterno was healthy.
At Thursday's Media Day, Paterno still didn't appear to be himself. He showed flashes of his wit and humor, but his delivery was slower and much less quieter than what everyone is used to. That doesn't mean Paterno is not up to coaching the Lions.
Coach Paterno admitted that his assistant coaches have more responsibility on the practice field and that he doesn't get in his players' faces like he once did. But he added that the entire coaching staff goes into meetings where Paterno lays out what he likes or doesn't like about the team and what he wants to see changed.
Speech and the appearance of fatigue aside, Paterno seemed excited about the 2010 Nittany Lions, although there are several holes to fill due to graduation.
Paterno somewhat played down the inexperience and competition amongst four quarterbacks competing for the starting job. Sophomore Kevin Newsome, who came out of high school in Virginia as a highly touted running and passing threat, has the most game experience. He played sparingly in 10 games and completed eight out of 11 passes for 66 yards. Redshirt sophomore Matt McGloin is in the running along with freshmen Robert Bolden and Paul Jones. Paterno indicated he had only seen the four practice a few days but said he was confident one would step up and be a "decent, but maybe not great" quarterback this season.
What concerns Paterno most though is the offensive line. He said, "We have three or four kids who are good," but went on to add that the OL needs to get more consistent and become tougher. The young quarterback's performances will be directly tied to how well the line plays. It also could impact how successful senior tailback Evan Royster will be. Royster has gained over a thousand yards the past two years and is 481 short of passing Curt Warner as Penn State's all-time leading rusher. An offensive line that can't open holes for Royster or protect a deer-in-the-headlights quarterback is a recipe for disaster.
The Nittany Lions also graduated three all-star linebackers in Sean Lee, Navorro Bowman, and Josh Hull so who replaces them at "Linebacker U" is another big question. Nate Stupar, Chris Colasanti and Bani Gbadyu are listed as starters on the pre-season depth chart. None have a lot of game experience. Outside linebacker Michael Mauti was out all last seaon with a knee injury but is healthy once again. Paterno said, "Mauti will be a very good football player."
One shouldn't get the idea that Penn State is full of unproven position players. As is usually the case, the defense should be one of the Big Ten's best. The defenisve line, led by 6'5" 304 pound tackle Devon Still and 6'5" 271 pound end Jack Crawford will put pressure on opposing QB's and play thr run well. That should help the inexperienced linebackers. The defensive backfield appears to be solid too.
On offense, the new quarterback will have a set of talented receivers to throw to (if he has time). Derek Moye, Graham Zug and Brett Brackett are not spectacular but they have good hands and can get open.
The date that looms large for the Nittany Lions is September 11 when they travel to Alabama to play the defending national champion and this seaon's pre-season number one ranked Crimson Tide. Paterno and the Penn State players refuse to look ahead but many fans aren't as reluctant to offer opinions and most believe it will difficult for the young Lions to keep the game close.
The bottom line is the inexperienced units, especially the offensive line, will have to come together in a hurry for Penn State to approach the 11 win seasons of the past two years. Eight victories may be considered a successful season.
